How to approach someone gently about money owed to you? Two months ago I sold an $800 musical instrument to co-worker who is also my sons music teacher. Agreed to time payment and gave her bank details. Nothing received. Nervous about mentioning. Advice?
by 
SilentPurr
ANSWERS: 9
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Just go up to them and ask them when they think theyll be able to pay you back. AS them if they need alittle more time, and maybe just make 15 dollars a week if possible. Have them sign a promisary note though and put a deadline on it for eh....2 years? - or however it adds up. Im sure they wont have a problem signing it, and if you have any problems at all....take em to court, and youll have the note with you for proof.
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Tricky situation. It depends on how often you see this person. If not on a regular basis I would drop them a note to say something like "I wondered if you could let me know when I can expect the $800 for the ....... I don't like to push but I find myself in a slight financial bind right now and would appreciate payment asap" You can of course use your own wording but with that statement you have confirmed the money is still owing, the amount owing and that you want it immediately. Good luck. P.S. putting it on paper appears to be a more definite statement than saying the same thing in person. It leave the person with no choice but to pay attention to what you are saying as it requests an answer from them.
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You shouldn't be nervous to ask for something that is rightfully yours. The jerk who owes you the money should be the one who is nervous.
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Perhaps if you are paying for your son's music lessons,you could start a barter for payment system.Perhaps that is what your teacher is suggesting by not paying .Will you be able to get $800 worth of musical training from the teacher ? Hope that helps outside actually using money. If it is money you need then YOU will have to ask in some manner.Tis your Right.
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Simply stop paying for the music lessons. When he asks why, tell him you assumed that was how he intended to pay for the instrument. Give him receipts instead of money until it's paid off.
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I know just how you feel. I hate having to ask for money owed to me. But, in todays world, if you don't ask, people will take advantage of your niceness and forget to pay you. It is your money you are asking for. You shouldn't have to ask. But ask, you will have to do. Start off by reminding the person about when they said they would pay. If this doesn't work, have a couple of Scotch's, kick the dog, swear at anyone within reach then ring them and demand payment. Good Luck.
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Well...you either need to get over your case of nerves or plan to eat the debt! I best liked the suggestion that you mention you aren't seeing any record of payments being made and wonder if there has been a bank error...could happen, does not threaten or lay blame...giving the person a chance to step up and make good. If they start handing you excuses....I would say, something like, "I'm happy to still sell you the instrument, but under the circumstances, I would like you to return it to me for now, and once you are able to make the payments, I'll be happy to return it back to you." Unless you DO HAVE a real financial need to sell it and get the money faster...then I would just tell her...I'm sorry, but my financial needs have changed. I either need you to get this paid now, as per our agreement, or I need it back so that I can try and sell it for immediate full payment. I sure do appreciate your understanding. (and then stop talking, the ball is in HER court...the first one to speak looses. YOU DO NOT NEED to feel uncomfortable, SHE needs to feel uncomfortable and that is NOT your problem!)
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I don't know why you would feel nervous about it. I would check with the bank to be sure no error had been made. Then I would simply say that apparently you haven't started making the payments and my understanding was that they would begin on ________.
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find out where the person lives and go there and knock on their door and ask for the instrument back. they dont want it. they dont how to give it back graciously.
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