Explain that cash flow is important to your business and that you can't afford to carry this unpaid receivable any longer. If phone calls don't work, make an appointment to personally visit whoever is in charge of paying you.

Be Persistent

When it comes to collecting debts, the squeaky wheel usually gets paid first. A client who is struggling financially and has only enough money to pay one creditor will likely pay the one who has made the most fuss. However, don't lose your temper, make threats, or otherwise harass the client. This kind of behavior can get you into legal trouble.

If letters, phone calls, and personal meetings don't get you what you're owed, you have a few options.

Formal Methods of Getting Money From Your Client

If you know the client has the money to pay you, or you think that he or she will have the money some time in the future, don't give up. There are a number of legal means available to collect debts.

Sue the Client in Small Claims Court

If the debt is not too large, the first option you should consider is suing the client in small claims court. All states have courts called small claims courts that are set up to resolve disputes involving relatively modest amounts of money. The limit is normally between $2,000 and $7,500, depending on your state. If you're owed more than the limit, you can still sue in small claims court and waive (that is, give up your right to collect) the amount that exceeds the limit.

Small claims court is particularly well suited to collecting small debts because it's inexpensive and fairly quick. In fact, debt collection cases are by far the most common type of cases heard in small claims court. And you don't need a lawyer to bring your case. Indeed, a few states -- including California, New York, and Michigan -- don't allow anyone to be represented by a lawyer in small claims court.

If you file a suit in small claims court and your client doesn't show up when he or she is supposed to, you'll win by default. A substantial percentage of clients don't contest claims for unpaid fees in court because they know that they owe the money and can't win.