collecting payment

[hallo]

I am a language trainer with a school in Berlin that specializes in BE. When I was originally hired by the school as a freelance teacher, I was told that I would be paid 10 - 14 days following each class. Now, I have a number of outstanding invoices with the school. The oldest of which is from the end of May. How should I go about collecting the money? And do you think a letter from a lawyer might help or do you think the owner of the school will just ignore it. I should mention that although the school is a GmbH, the school is privately owned. I have kept working because the first few invoices I turned in were payed within the specified time frame. I should also mention that I don't have a contract. But I have been told that oral agreements are valid in German.

[sheilav]

First of all I would send a polite email reminder with copies of the invoice. Then send them by post adding a % charge for late payment perhaps only 1%.if this does not work then the next step is to make some sort of veiled threat.
Second-If you just want to get paid and not teach for them again you could threaten to discuss the non payment with the student or his company.
This could screw up the relationship so it has to be used carefully.

Something like I am very unhappy that I have not been paid and I have been advised by a friend to inform my students company of your failure to pay but I am sure this is an oversight and that you will pay me immediatly on receipt of this email including a late payment fee.
Using a lawyer is expensive and may well be counter productive with this sort of company.

Hope this helps

[lolwhites]

Hallo - I've sent you a private message.