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A video guide can help explain how a solicitors letter works, what it should include and what steps may follow.

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Did you know that the latest public payment-practices data shows a substantial delay in invoice payments among large UK companies? For example, one recent report from a major supplier showed an average payment time of 61 days, with only 25% of invoices paid within 30 days.

If you have contacted a customer several times and the invoice remains unpaid, a formal solicitors letter might be the next logical step. A letter before action is a recognised legal notice that signals you are ready to escalate the matter. But before you send one, it helps to understand exactly how they work, when they are most effective, and what alternatives exist to recover your money with less stress.

In this post, we explain what a solicitors letter is, how it fits within a credit control or debt collection strategy and offer practical guidance to help you decide whether it is the right step for your business.

Why Solicitors Letters Before Action Matter

Industry evidence shows that a large proportion of overdue invoices are paid once a solicitors letter arrives with the debtor. Many customers respond quickly because they do not want the matter to progress into court proceedings. Once they receive a formal notice, the seriousness of the situation becomes clear.

However, not all letters carry the same weight. Generic, low cost templates or mass-produced legal letters often carry less influence and can even weaken your position if the debtor recognises them as automated.

Why You Need a Solicitor Letter From a Firm

Before buying a cheap online LBA, think about what is actually being supplied. If the service costs only a small amount, the debtor may realise immediately that it is not a personalised legal instruction. People who have experience with business documents are often aware of these services and may see them as an empty threat.

Low cost solicitors letter services are often set up in a way that leads customers towards court action, because this is where the real cost begins. A basic letter is usually not a sign of genuine legal involvement and may have very little effect.

It is also worth considering whether the customer relationship is worth protecting. Many unpaid invoices occur due to missing documents or simple communication issues rather than an intention to avoid paying. Sending a strong legal threat too early can reduce the chance of future cooperation.

Free Letter Before Action Templates

Templates can be useful if you want to send your own solicitors letter, although they should be used with realistic expectations. A template can help you remain clear and compliant, but the outcome depends on how the debtor views the situation and whether they believe you will take further action. If the debtor assumes you will not progress to court, the letter may be ignored.

Although these options appear attractive, they often bring problems. Debtors are familiar with these low cost services and may disregard them immediately. They are typically designed to lead you into legal proceedings rather than solve the problem quickly. If the letter does not work, the only next step is often litigation which places you at greater financial risk.

Sending a strong legal letter too soon may also damage the relationship with your customer, especially if the delay in payment is due to an administrative error that could be resolved with a conversation.

Why Choose Us

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A solicitors letter is sometimes the right choice but not always the first one you should take. At My Credit Controllers, we take a practical and calm approach. We focus on resolving the matter quickly, speaking with the customer where possible and keeping the process clear and fair. Court action is only considered once all other realistic steps have been taken.

Many businesses prefer to use a structured debt collection or credit control service rather than a quick solicitor-style letter. A professional service encourages communication, checks for disputes, adds interest and compensation where appropriate and keeps court as the final option.

Our approach helps settle debts more smoothly and avoids unnecessary conflict.

The Debt Collection Process

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A strong debt collection process involves a series of clear steps rather than relying on a single warning. Professional services make early contact, check for any misunderstanding, follow up firmly where needed and consider court only when it becomes unavoidable.

Services like CreditXS operate on a no win, no fee basis which means you only pay when money is recovered. This keeps your risk low and motivates the service provider to secure payment promptly.

You may also add statutory interest and compensation which can help cover the cost of recovery. If the debtor pays the full amount including the additional sums, the recovery service becomes cost-free for you.

Business Debt Collection and Recovery

When reminders have failed, consider your next steps carefully. Think about whether the debtor will take a solicitors letter seriously, whether the relationship is worth preserving and whether a structured credit control or debt collection approach might settle the matter more easily.

Many situations are resolved well before legal action becomes necessary, which is why it is often best not to rush straight into legal threats.

What Is a Letter Before Claim?

A letter before claim is the formal version of a solicitors letter. It explains what is owed, the reason for the debt, your previous attempts to resolve the issue and the date by which payment must be made. It also warns that you may start court proceedings if payment is not received.

This type of letter must follow UK Pre Action Protocols. If it does not, the court may question your approach.

Why Do I Need to Send a Solicitors Letter?

A solicitors letter is often needed when the debtor has stopped responding. It shows that you are prepared to escalate the matter and that court is a possibility. It also demonstrates that you have acted reasonably before issuing a claim, which the court expects.

Sending one too soon, however, can create unnecessary pressure if the debt could have been resolved through discussion.

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In conclusion, a Solicitors Letter Before Action can be a useful way to encourage payment, but it is not always the most suitable or economical first step. 

A solicitor issued letter can prompt quick action from a debtor, although low cost online versions often lack influence and may harm customer relationships. Before choosing this option, consider whether a practical credit control or debt collection approach might recover the money more quickly and with fewer complications.

A clear sequence of communication, fair escalation and the option to apply statutory fees often offers the best chance of success without going to court. When a Solicitors Letter Before Action is needed, timing and clarity are important.

If you would like help recovering overdue invoices in a professional and organised way, contact My Credit Controllers toda