JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local small business owner claims that she has not been paid for a contracted job she completed for a corporation based in Miami, called Frontier Building Corp.
Despite her attempts to contact them, they have been unresponsive and evasive regarding her payment inquiries. The outstanding amount of nearly $5,000 is crucial for her business, and its absence could have severe consequences.
The job in question involved cleaning up a restaurant in Gainesville after construction, which required the business owner to travel between Jacksonville and the job site for several days. News4JAX has obtained all relevant documentation, including signed contracts and emails from account managers assuring the woman that her payment is forthcoming.
Expressing her frustration, the business owner, Mattie Sheppard of Perfectly Pictured Decluttering, stated that small business owners like herself lack avenues for assistance in such situations.
She emphasized that she completed the project as agreed upon and is now awaiting payment. The owed amount currently stands at $4,404.28, excluding late charges. Late fees of $100 per month will be added to the total.
According to Sheppard, her attempts to communicate with the company have been fruitless, and she is not alone in her experience. Several other individuals have also posted negative reviews online, reporting non-payment for completed work.
In response to the company’s unresponsiveness, Sheppard plans to take Frontier Building Corp. to small claims court. Tom Stephens from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) explained that small business owners often face limited options in such cases, as hiring a lawyer can significantly impact their profits.
He highlighted how companies often exploit this situation, counting on the fact that the costs of legal action will deter businesses from pursuing their dues.
Sheppard has a clear message for the company that she believes has cheated her: they must fulfill their financial obligations to the businesses assisting them in completing their projects.
She emphasized that without the contributions of these small businesses, the company would not be able to fulfill its commitments. Therefore, she urges them to treat their partners with fairness and pay them promptly.
News4JAX attempted to contact Frontier Building Corp. by leaving voicemails and sending an email. They received a callback on Monday evening, requesting more information. The company stated that they would investigate the matter and return the call.
If you have experienced a similar issue, you have the option to file a complaint through the BBB’s website.
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