If someone owes you money and won't pay, you need to act quickly and follow a clear escalation process. Waiting and hoping doesn't work: you need to show them you're serious.
Step 1: Check you have proof
Before doing anything, make sure you can prove the debt:
- Written contract or invoice
- Text messages or emails acknowledging they owe you
- Bank transfer records
- Receipts or other documentation
Without proof, you won't win in court.
Step 2: Send a polite reminder (within 7 days)
Most people pay when reminded. Send a friendly message assuming they forgot:
"Hi [Name], just a quick reminder that the £1,000 you owe me was due on [date]. Could you let me know when you'll pay?"
40-50% pay at this stage.
Step 3: Escalate to written demands (days 14-30)
If they ignore you, send a firmer written request:
"This payment is now 14 days overdue. Please pay within 7 days or I'll have to take further action."
Step 4: Send a Letter Before Action (days 30-45)
This is a formal legal warning sent by Recorded Delivery. It must include:
- Full details of the debt
- Deadline to pay (14-30 days)
- Warning that you'll file a court claim if they don't pay
An additional 30-40% pay at this stage to avoid court.
Step 5: File a small claims court claim (day 60+)
If they still ignore you, file a claim:
- Online at gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money
- Fees: £35-£455 depending on claim amount (recoverable if you win)
- Timeline: 4-6 months if they defend, 4-6 weeks if they don't respond
About 70% of claimants win if it goes to court.
Step 6: Enforce the judgment (if they still won't pay)
Winning doesn't automatically mean you get paid. If they ignore the judgment, you can:
- Use bailiffs to seize and sell their belongings
- Get an attachment of earnings order (takes money from their wages)
- Apply for a charging order on their property
This adds 3-12 months but increases pressure to pay.
Your options compared
DIY recovery:
- Time: 15-25 hours
- Timeline: 3-6 months
- Success rate: 30-50%
- Risk: High (easy to make mistakes)
Solicitors:
- Cost: £1,000-£2,500+
- Not recoverable in small claims (you pay out of pocket even if you win)
- Unprofitable for debts under £10,000
Example: £3,000 debt with £1,500 solicitor fees = you only net £1,500 even if you win.
Garfield:
- Time: 5 minutes
- Cost: Fixed recoverable fees (effectively free if you win)
- Success rate: 70-80%
- Stress: Minimal (everything automated)
Act fast
The sooner you take action, the more likely you are to recover.
Delays mean:
- Their financial situation gets worse
- Your evidence becomes stale
- They think you won't actually do anything
Start within days, not months. Send that first reminder as soon as payment is overdue.