FAQs

Not Having a Signed Contract Doesn't Excuse Non-Payment.

While a signed contract is the most robust form of agreement, other types of agreements can also hold legal weight:

Written Agreement: Communication through emails, texts, or messaging apps like WhatsApp can sometimes serve as a written agreement. For example, if both parties agree to terms in a WhatsApp chat, this may be enforceable, provided the conversation is clear, specific, and unambiguous.

Oral or Verbal Agreement: Contracts based on spoken words are legally binding in many cases. However, proving the terms may require additional evidence, such as witnesses or follow-up written confirmations.

Agreement by Conduct: An agreement can also be established through actions. For instance, consistent trading on the same terms over time (known as incorporation by a course of dealing) can form a binding agreement.

Having any form of agreement strengthens your case when pursuing payment. However, securing written terms, even informally, significantly reduces the risk of disputes.

Steps to Recover Payment Without a Signed Contract:

1. Start by contacting the debtor to address any issues.
2. Follow up with a detailed letter outlining the verbal agreement, the scope of work, and payment terms.
3. If the debt remains unpaid, consider legal action, starting with a 'letter before action' or court proceedings if necessary.
4. For undisputed debts over £750, you may pursue a winding-up order (for companies).

Enlisting the help of a professional debt collection agency, skilled in both recovery and legal processes, can greatly improve your chances of resolution.

Find out more in our blog: https://www.redwoodcollections.com/blog/what-if-a-debt-is-overdue-and-no-written-contract

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.

Yes, we can.

International debt collection involves a two-stage process.

Initially, a professional debt collection agency operates from the UK, attempting contact through calls, texts, and emails during the debtor's business hours.

If unsuccessful, the agency engages a local partner in the debtor's jurisdiction, leveraging their understanding of local language, culture, and legal protocols. This localised approach increases the likelihood of debt recovery.

The agency then assesses the feasibility of legal action, considering whether proceedings should be initiated in the UK or overseas based on contractual terms. If legal action is deemed necessary abroad, the agency's local partner provides expert support, ensuring compliance with local legislation for a successful outcome. 

There’s more information on how international debt collection works in our blog: https://www.redwoodcollections.com/blog/how-does-international-debt-recovery-work