Small business owners: if you’re tired of chasing late-payers, you’re not alone.

Here’s what I see all the time:

✅ You did the work.

✅ You sent the invoice.

✅ You followed up politely… twice… five times…

…and suddenly you’re the one feeling awkward.

That’s usually the moment a flat-fee attorney demand letter makes sense.

Not because we want to “go nuclear” — but because a well-written letter can:

* reset the tone

* create a real deadline

* and signal you’re serious without blowing up the relationship

I draft demand letters on my letterhead that are firm, professional, and businesslike — the kind that say “we’d prefer to resolve this amicably” while still making it clear that ignoring you is no longer an option.

Two quick examples:

1) The “good customer who got sloppy”

A contractor had a repeat customer who started doing the “next week” routine. The owner didn’t want to torch the relationship… he just wanted the payment to become a priority again. A short, calm attorney letter with a deadline did exactly that — and the customer paid without the drama.

2) The “ghosting after delivery”

A service business finished the job, sent the invoice, and then got radio silence. Once the attorney letter went out (with the invoice attached and clear payment instructions), the buyer suddenly “found time” to respond.

If you’re a business owner in Virginia and you have a receivable that’s turning into a headache, I can help with on-demand flat-fee collection letters that protect your leverage and your reputation. Click here to set up a call: https://calendly.com/ralph-commonlawpractice/15-minute-meeting