Freelance website developer left unpaid by client

The Client

A freelance website developer.

Value of Dispute

£30,000

The Commercial Dispute

A freelance website developer had a claim against a client who refused to pay their invoices for search engine optimisation work that it had carried out. 

It was asserted that no benefit had been gained from the work done, despite the nature of SEO work being one of long-term reward rather than short-term gain, which had been highlighted to the client at the start. 

Many reasons were provided for not paying, but none seemed genuine and it was felt that the company was simply trying to avoid paying. 

How Escalate Resolved – Services Used

Escalate became involved, and when we were also rebuffed after first contact, we drafted all of the court papers and gave the defendant one last chance to pay. In response, the defendant offered payment of 80%. 

The defendant then asked to pay in instalments over two years. We refused, and ordered that either full payment or the offered 80% balance needed to be paid within seven days, or we would issue court proceedings. Full payment was made shortly thereafter.