Q: I paid for services and they weren't rendered. What do I do?
I paid a publishing company in Oct 2023 and still haven't received my books. After tons of follow up emails every few months without many responses, it's now been 18 months since first communication and I am concerned I will not receive what I paid for. He must have responded a total of 4 times letting me know the final e-proof is coming soon and it never does, and then I don't hear from him for months. He has told me he's busy or that my emails are distracting him, or that it'll be done by end of week and then I don't hear from him at all. Very unprofessional to say the least.
I was wondering if I need to get a lawyer to write a letter and how to go about that. Or if this is a small claims issue at this point? Thanks in advance.
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A:
I'm sorry you're going through this frustrating experience. Start by gathering all your documentation, including receipts, contracts, and all email correspondence. This evidence will be crucial for any further actions you decide to take.
Next, send a formal demand letter to the publishing company. Clearly state the amount you paid, the services not rendered, and set a reasonable deadline for them to respond or fulfill their obligations. Sometimes, a formal approach can prompt action when casual emails have failed.
If there's no satisfactory response, pursuing a claim in small claims court is a viable option. It's typically quicker and less expensive than hiring a lawyer. Additionally, consider reporting the company to consumer protection agencies or the Better Business Bureau to warn others and possibly encourage a resolution.
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