What are my options if someone now refuses to follow through on their part of an oral agreement?

Question

I entered an oral agreement to do some basic editing work. The employer and I had talked about roughly 400 dollars, perhaps more should the work prove to be more demanding. However while he admitted being satisfied with the final results, his dispute with me now is over my method and as such he refuses to pay. I want to know what my options are to get my money, more as principle, as the arguments he is making are not legitimate but really stall tactics, he’s made it clear he has no interest in paying me now. (I'm in Canada if that makes a difference)

Answer 1

First, you now know to never make an oral agreeent for your labor. What happened happens to many good people everywhere. Secondly, in order to begin the collections process you must invoice him for your work. After you have invoiced him once a month for 90 days then it can be sent to collections or to small claims court. Not sure what the laws are in Canada but that's what we do here in the States south of you. Remember, an honest days work deserves and honest wage. Your employer is abusing the power he has over you to coerce you into doing work for him that he would normally have to hire out to get done. That's not right! Here in the US we can also go to our state labor department and claim unpaid wages. You worked and he did not pay. So I guess he can pay you the verbally agreed upon amount OR pay you overtime?Good Luck.

Answer 2

We were just sued for in small claims court for $2,500 when we only had left to give about $650. You should NEVER do anything oral with anyone because it will just be thrown out of the court. Do you have proof he said he would pay you? If the answer is no, take it as a lesson and move on. If you have in writing any agreement, go to small claims.
The person that sued us came on several occassions to pick up cash without papers signed because we though people had a good heart and were honest. She sued us for the remaining money which she said totaled 2,500, not the 650 we had left!
She even claimed in front of the judge that she pick up money without signing, but the judge diregarded it, and made us pay the whole amount. Just like that he said, never do business without papers!
Im sorry that this happend. Im also sorry that we humans are unable to be honest and can look someone in the eye, and lie.

Answer 3

Sounds like a real a$$!

Write a formal letter to him outlining al the details of what transpired and requesting payment under terms agreed to. Send it certified mail. Show on the bottom of your letter a cc to your favorite attorney (he/she doesn't have to be engaged). Try to give him the impression that you're taking this dead serious and that he can either pay you the amount agreed or pay an attorney more plus the amount due later. Good luck!!

Answer 4

I do not know the laws in Canada but here in the states you can take it to the unemployment office. I had my times down and knew what was owed. Last resort ask a lawyer

Answer 5

Unfortunately, it will likely cost more than $400 to get it back; verbal agreements don't hold much weight.

Answer 6

I don't know the legalities, but I have heard this saying:
"Oral agreements are not worth the paper they are printed on"

If you get my drift.

Answer 7

Unless you have it in writing, you're toast. Never do work for someone without a written contract. If they aren't willing to put it in writing, walk away.

Answer 8

Always get it in writing and/or have a witness. Never trust people no matter how they act like they are your friend.

Answer 9

Then does it make sense break it the oral or tell your boss, teacher whatever it is.