Collecting a Debt from a Sorority?

[Kevlar281]

I just wanted to get some opinions on how to go about collecting a debt from a sorority. I don’t want to get into specific numbers but I would consider the debt to be substantial. I’ve been in contact with their financial advisor but her initial offer was well below what I was expecting. I have documentation for all costs incurred so there is no dispute as to whether the money was spent or not. But what is the next step, if her counteroffer is way to low? Outside of emails and some registration forms there are no signed agreements just verbal. So going into court isn’t exactly something that I want to do but is that even an option? Would contacting the national organization get the ball rolling so to speak?

[adpiucf]

I would recommend you involve the Greek Adviser. If you have proof you are owed money, and the mediation isn't working out, there is no reason not to send them to a collections agency. Let collections deal with it and blacklist that sorority from your list of orgs to invite to functions.

[dakareng]

If there is not a paper trail, you may have to take what the advisor offered. You may have all the documentation in the world as to what you spent, but if you don't have anything in writing to say that they agreed to pay the sum you are requesting, a collection agency won't help. Collection agencies require as much documentation as small claims court (at least they did when I was a financial advisor). A copy of an email *may* be sufficient but verbal agreements are worthless. A registration form, if properly worded (making it a contract), would be helpful if signed by the appropriate person. Here you'd be getting into organizational policy but when money is involved, some groups have rules stating who can sign a contract, and commit the group to paying money.

YOur campus Greek Advisor would be of more help than the national organization. Truthfully, the threat of word getting out to other fraternities that XYZ skated out of a financial agreement is likely to be more powerful in this case.

[gpb1874]

Originally posted by dakareng
YOur campus Greek Advisor would be of more help than the national organization. Truthfully, the threat of word getting out to other fraternities that XYZ skated out of a financial agreement is likely to be more powerful in this case.

ditto. my chapter did this when a fraternity wouldn't pay us for a mixer. GA got a copy of all the receipts and called the president and advisor of the fraternity. we also refused to host any other events with them until paid, which ticked off some of our girls and their guys. it's a small campus too, so there are not a whole lot of chapters to mix with. it still took a while b/c the chapter was having financial trouble, but we were able to work it out. Getting the greek advisor involved didn't directly fix the problem, but it showed them they needed to take their debts seriously and work something out. i think we even agreed to a payment plan.

[Tom Earp]

I think He said He has Documentation, and should do well to let them know that they are expected to:

1. Pay The Bill.

2. Contact Greek Adviser.

3. Have a letter sent from a Lawyer for exactment of payment and if neccessary extra charges for placing YOU in a position of hardship.

[hoosier]

Is this another stealth ad for some collection agency?

[dakareng]

Tom, he said he had documentation of what HE spent but does NOT have a signed agreement from the sorority. . . If you don't have it in writing, signed by the president, you don't have an enforceable contract where they agreed to pay the figure he's requesting. When money is involved, you have to get it in writing and signed by the president.... not all groups allow the social chair to sign contracts.

[AOIIalum]

Not all groups allow the chapter president or any other collegiate member to sign contracts, either. In that case, a contract signed by a collegiate member may in fact be null and void from an organizational standpoint.

[gogoaphi]

I'm a little confused what the "bill" is for. If it is for a service like say making a composite, that is one thing. If it is for something like the kegs you purchased for that last really kick-butt mixer with the said sorority ... you are going to have a tough row to hoe. I flinch at the advice of going to a Greek Advisor or Collection Agency if it is for something other than a legitimate servce that was rendered to the sorority. I'm sorry if I didn't read all the other posts well enough to catch what the bill is actually for.

[lifesaver]

Originally posted by hoosier
Is this another stealth ad for some collection agency?

Dont think so jackass. Hes been on GC longer than you have and is better liked.

[James]

Damn Lifesaver, tell us what you really think, don't hold back like that.

Originally posted by lifesaver
Dont think so jackass. Hes been on GC longer than you have and is better liked.

[Tom Earp]

Yep, lifesaver is pretty basic, trust Me I know and talk to Him! Says as Is!

Man if is just a howdy do, you are screwed!

Get along with life, bite the bullet, dont hang with them!

Word gets around so soon!