Not having a signed contract doesn't excuse non-payment.

In the absence of a written agreement, pursue recovery using the legal principle of 'unjust enrichment.' This means that no person or company should be able to profit at another's expense without making restitution for the reasonable value of any goods, services or other benefits that have been supplied to them.

You could start by contacting the debtor to resolve any issues, then send a detailed letter outlining the verbal agreement, work description, and payment terms.

If the debt persists, consider legal action, starting with a 'letter before action' or court proceedings if needed.

While there is no definitive answer, you can introduce a debt collection agency as soon as an invoice is overdue. It is a good idea to limit the number of invoices that are unpaid for 90 days, to avoid cash flow issues.

Or, if your resources are limited and a non-payer has gone AWOL, you could consider instructing a debt collection agency to trace and investigate at this point instead. It could even be when multiple customers start failing to pay.

When a debtor has no current address, it's crucial not to write off the debt immediately. Instead, consider seeking professional help from a debt collection agency (DCA) experienced in debtor tracing.

DCAs can use various methods, such as searching electoral rolls, financial data, and online platforms.

If the initial trace is unsuccessful, additional avenues like SMS messages, phone calls, emails, and research through online directories and social media can be explored.

In extreme cases, legal proceedings can be initiated by serving documents at the debtor's last known address.

For overseas debtors, a reputable debt collection agency with international partnerships can navigate the complexities and conduct effective tracing activities.

To initiate the debt tracing process or perusal of a debt all you need to provide is the invoice, contract, or confirmation of a verbal agreement, along with the debtor's name and their last known address.

When a company that owes you money goes through the process of liquidation, it means that the company is selling off its assets to pay back its debts. Liquidation is a formal process to resolve financial matters before the company is formally dissolved.

However, if the company is dissolved, creditors can only pursue unpaid debts through the directors and shareholders of the company, as the company no longer legally exists on the Companies Register.