BAEN Message Board

Need advise on non-paying boarder

Posted by FriesianMom on 4/17/2012, 7:52 am
12.149.148.7

I have a boarder who has always been a little late but it has become worse. She doesn't return my calls either. She pays the late fees without a problem.
I checked BAEN for what to do forms and questions. The link to a non-paying boarder takes me to 'can a child handle a stallion at shows'.
Really sad because I know shw has the $. He has been with us since he was 6 months old. He is 5 this month and has never gone off for training. I think she has come to visit maybe 5 times in all these years. Guess the good news is that she trusts our care. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Friesian Breeder and Haflinger Rider
Back Creek Farm (Specializing in Retirement and Mares & Foals)
Sebastopol, CA

if your agreement

Posted by cajunmoon on 4/17/2012, 8:55 am, in reply to "Need advise on non-paying boarder"
66.81.255.252

is being met, even if late, and you don't want to loose a boarder, then I would just remind her of the agreement and date the board is really due. Maybe resend a copy of the agreement in the mail, and say you felt she should re read the agreement. If you are tired of waiting for the board(as it puts you behind on your bills), then it is time to increase the board and go thru the process of getting rid of her. You have to decide which is the best option for you.

Thanks but are there letters I can send her with legaleeze?

Posted by FriesianMom on 4/17/2012, 9:53 am, in reply to "if your agreement"
12.149.148.7

She has told me that she wanted to send him to training this year. Then again she said that last year. Considering she isn't returning my calls I am getting worried. So I thought that I should start the legal process of pay up or horse will be taken over. If that is still the case.
Friesian Breeder and Haflinger Rider
Back Creek Farm (Specializing in Retirement and Mares & Foals)
Sebastopol, CA

Try Rachel at www.equinelegalsolutions.com

Posted by lms on 4/17/2012, 11:27 am, in reply to "Thanks but are there letters I can send her with legaleeze?"
156.39.0.199

I understand your concerns that just keeps it professional and no room for her to take advantage of you. Good luck.
http://www.prophecyfarms.com

If she's paying the late fees,

Posted by equestqh on 4/17/2012, 12:44 pm, in reply to "Need advise on non-paying boarder"
173.85.205.188

I'm not sure I'd rock the boat. At least she's paying. You may want to simply put a reminder on your invoice that board is due on x-day, and to avoid late fees, please pay by that date.

No, I am not smarter than a 5th grader, but occasionally I am smarter than a 1st grader.
Elk Grove, Sac County, CA (formerly of Palo Alto & EPA & yes, my horses had a better address than me-Woodside)

Well the bill went out March 29

Posted by FriesianMom on 4/17/2012, 2:19 pm, in reply to "If she's paying the late fees,"
12.149.148.7

Still no word from her. I have called her a couple of times and the invoice says in red that it is due within 5 days of receipt.
I am just getting annoyed that she hasn't even returned my calls. Also need to schedule his dental but don't want to be out $400 for too long.
Friesian Breeder and Haflinger Rider
Back Creek Farm (Specializing in Retirement and Mares & Foals)
Sebastopol, CA

To me

Posted by Jane on 4/17/2012, 4:59 pm, in reply to "Well the bill went out March 29"
99.197.32.57

with no return phone calls or other contact, I would be concerned. I have barn owner friends who have gotten burned for $$$$. It is time consuming to bring about a lien on the horse to get your money, and if you are forced to bring a lien on an unstarted five y.o., you will probably not sell the horse for enough to recover any unpaid board. The longer you wait, the harder it will be. I would definitely not advance any money on dental care for the horse.

Agreed!

Posted by AshlandEquestrian on 4/18/2012, 6:24 am, in reply to "To me"
63.155.145.155

Do what it takes, be professional, but dont worry sbout her feelings. This may be what is needed to make her make a decision about whats next for the horse.

You work way too hard taking care of the horses to accept the disrespect that very late payment displays. Boarders sometimes get in a weird mindset that somehow cumulative board, over the years should buy them some kind of favor, a break. If it worked that way for our mortgage, taxes, hay supplier we'd all win, right?

Your time and commitment to the horse's well being is your half of the deal. Her paying you on time is hers. Start the lein process. Leave her a message that you are reluctantly doing so as her pattern if late payment is causing concern, distress. Maybe that will prompt a call. All of my boarders who i dont see daily/weekly get charged on their debit/credit card. Period. It is an extra expense, but its worth it to me to get those payments with no hassle, the upset of not getting paid is very taxing. I had one woman who I do see every day put me on her bank bill pay, she just doesnt remember anything! And even tho Inlike her very much, her flakiness infuriated me. I finally said to her, "you know I never ever forget to feed your horses by 8:00 am. Seven days a week, I remember!". That helped her motivate to make the bill pay plan.

Excellent points - thank you nm

Posted by FriesianMom on 4/18/2012, 9:38 am, in reply to "Agreed!"
12.149.148.7

nm
Friesian Breeder and Haflinger Rider
Back Creek Farm (Specializing in Retirement and Mares & Foals)
Sebastopol, CA

I like that way of thinking

Posted by Bitohoneylady on 4/18/2012, 10:25 am, in reply to "Agreed!"
67.142.166.23

the "I never forget to feed your horses by 8am, 7 days a week, I remember!"

That should definitely make a boarder think!
Placerville CA

Re: Need advise on non-paying boarder

Posted by lovemacy on 4/18/2012, 11:18 am, in reply to "Need advise on non-paying boarder"
24.23.32.66

What a great website!

Not sure how to characterize this

Posted by Bethy on 4/18/2012, 9:48 pm, in reply to "Need advise on non-paying boarder"
24.23.48.174

I'm not sure if there is an easy way to broach the subject, but as I road less I found that making it "out" less meant that I often missed the first (sometime by a week!). I finally started paying a month in advance to avoid those embarrassing (and costly) late payments. I aimed for the 1st, usually got it in by the 7th, sometime not until later ,but it was still between 15-30 days early instead of late. Another option for you may to be offer her a paypal or other online option (with her paying the fee). My board is quite literally the only bill I can�t just click a button to pay � it really is easer to just log on and pay then to mail or drop off a check, especially when the only check I write or mail a month is for board.

You may decide that she isn�t worth the effort, but if she always pays eventually, and isn�t a bother, doesn�t use the facilities, and is generally a money maker you might be able to find a way to facilitate the payments in a more timely manner.

Re: Not sure how to characterize this

Posted by mustangdeb on 4/18/2012, 10:25 pm, in reply to "Not sure how to characterize this"
76.102.63.31

you can set up with online banking as a one time or re-occuring bill and your bank will pull the funds from your account and send the payment. My friend does this with everything, including her board and has never had any problems. I believe you do it through the bill pay page.
Four Seasons Equine Wellness
Equine Craniosacral Therapy and Massage

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