What to do when client doesn't pay?

**ACMAir** · 03-23-2010 05:22 PM

I've been running my graphic design firm for over a year now, and only one client has not paid for the services after the project was completed. It was a $230 project, and it was completed 4-5 months ago. Unluckily, at the time, I didn't have contractual agreements with my clients. What can I do, to receive payment for the project? I've attempted all forms of communication with him, but he ignores every call, text, or email I send him. Unluckily he lives in the other side of the country, making it hard. Do I have any legal rights? How do you work with projects that are not from your home state?

Thanks

**focusben** · 03-23-2010 10:47 PM

What kind of work did you do for him? Was there a verbal contract? Contract by email? You could either sue with evidence or take it as a lesson not to do business and give them deliverables without payment.

**ACMAir** · 03-23-2010 11:30 PM

I did a logo, business card design, and worked to customize his web template. I will look through my emails to see if there is any form of contract-like agreement. I'm not in favor of using litigation to solve my problems, however $230 could really help me right now. If I was to take it to court, how would I do that, since I'm in Los Angeles, and he's in the east coast?