Legal Question in Business Law in Pennsylvania

Re: dead beat customers

You asked about a customer who removed his vehicle without paying the bill.

You should contact the local police and make a report of theft of services. DO NOT CONTACT THE CUSTOMER AND THREATEN OR INFORM THAT YOU WILL DO THIS. Doing so would be an illegal means of collecting a debt and would land you in more hot water than your customer.

Most likely, after you swear out the complaint, the officers will approach the customer who will then make good on your bill. If the customer doesn't then the prosecutor does your job for you. The prosecutor will even likely arrange for the customer to make restitution. If the customer makes good on the debt the officer will likely provide you an opportunity to withdraw the complaint. (Need I tell you, not to accept a personal check from this person?)

If the invoice was substantial and there is a possibility the vehicle may be sold then you should file a mechanic's lien against the vehicle's title.

Regards,

Roger