Had this happen twice in the past 4 years. Three times in 10 years. First time was small amount, and they didn't really stiff me completely, just said they were closing, and they 'paid' in some hardware. Wasn't all that useful to me, but better than nothing.
Second time - I drove up to NYC (from Raleigh) to file in court. It was for > $5k, so it couldn't be small claims court. That was Aug 2008 - it's now almost Aug 2011 - still on the docket last I looked. Court will take a long time. Even if I 'win', I still have to collect, and if the guy won't pay when he's supposed to, collecting will suck. In retrospect, I wish I'd have told the client whose project I was working on for that guy - they'd have at least known what they were continuing to let themselves in for by dealing with him.
Last time was more recent, and it was just a bad project all around - sorry I took it, sorry the end client didn't get what they wanted, etc.
Lesson learned for me is to either never subcontract for someone else, or be very cautious. I'm doing it now for one other client, but I'd met them multiple times, they have a good reputation in their industry, and I was assured by another sub whose worked with them before that they pay (and pay pretty well). And they have - been one of the fastest payers I've worked with.
If you file a lawsuit - small claims might go faster than regular court - but file and forget. In my case, my suit was for $8700. It'd certainly be nice to get it, but I eeked by and moved on, and don't spend much time thinking about it now. It'll tear you up waiting - move on as best you can, even if you file a suit.
btw, are you on the lsc mailing list? bettermeans looks familiar.
Second time - I drove up to NYC (from Raleigh) to file in court. It was for > $5k, so it couldn't be small claims court. That was Aug 2008 - it's now almost Aug 2011 - still on the docket last I looked. Court will take a long time. Even if I 'win', I still have to collect, and if the guy won't pay when he's supposed to, collecting will suck. In retrospect, I wish I'd have told the client whose project I was working on for that guy - they'd have at least known what they were continuing to let themselves in for by dealing with him.
Last time was more recent, and it was just a bad project all around - sorry I took it, sorry the end client didn't get what they wanted, etc.
Lesson learned for me is to either never subcontract for someone else, or be very cautious. I'm doing it now for one other client, but I'd met them multiple times, they have a good reputation in their industry, and I was assured by another sub whose worked with them before that they pay (and pay pretty well). And they have - been one of the fastest payers I've worked with.
If you file a lawsuit - small claims might go faster than regular court - but file and forget. In my case, my suit was for $8700. It'd certainly be nice to get it, but I eeked by and moved on, and don't spend much time thinking about it now. It'll tear you up waiting - move on as best you can, even if you file a suit.
btw, are you on the lsc mailing list? bettermeans looks familiar.