What can I legally do about a non-paying customer?

With a non-paying customer, you can usually send demands, pause further work if your contract allows, use a collection agency or attorney, and sue. Avoid threats, false statements, public shaming online and keeping property you have no right to. Check your contract before stopping work or holding deposits.

Dos with a non-paying customer

Document everything
Send written demands
Use an agency or attorney

Don’ts with a non-paying customer

Threaten criminal charges
Post accusations online
Contact their customers

Can I stop work until they pay?

Often, if your contract allows.

Can I keep a deposit?

Depends on your contract terms.

General information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and situation; ask a licensed attorney about yours.

Get matched: agency, attorney, AI or certified firm

Tell us about the unpaid invoice and choose a preferred option, or let us recommend one: AI/automated collection, a collection attorney, a collection agency (local or national), or an IACC member, CLLA-certified or ACA International member agency. Matching is free, and nothing is placed until you approve a partner’s written terms.

Get matched with the right collection partner

Free review. No cost to be matched. About 60 seconds.

Your name

Business

Phone

Amount owed

Who owes you?

Age of debt

Debtor’s state

Preferred collection option

Local preferred?

Business debts only. Submitting doesn’t place your account; you approve any partner’s terms first.

Prefer email? Write to [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Can I file a mechanic’s lien?

Possibly; see liens.

About Small Biz Debt Collection

Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.

Sources: IACC, “Commercial Collection Guidelines for Credit Grantors” (2018); 15 U.S.C. § 1692a (FDCPA definitions), via Cornell LII (accessed Oct 18, 2026).

Owed money by another business?

Tell us about the unpaid invoice and we’ll match you with an experienced collection partner suited to its size, age and location. Matching is free.

Get matched with a collection partner