How can I politely ask for wage owed?

Question

A friend asked me to do a time consuming difficult job. I said I'd do it for free to be polite, but they insisted on paying me, so I put extra time and effort. I was to be paid $2,000 for my professional services, and was told they'd pay within a week. It's been 2 weeks now and I ended up budgeting my finances with the 2K in consideration.

Do I sit waiting quietly or say something? Considering it's a friend and I originally offered to do it for free, I'm nervous to rock the boat.

Answer 1

I would certainly ask them for that amount of money, you've been waiting two weeks now, why is there a delay in you getting paid?  Hopefully we won't see you on Judge Judy!

Answer 2

Just ask.  Explain that you understood the arrangement as being a paid task, and you went above and beyond since payment was implied.  And you done spent it already!  

I would certainly rock the boat over $2K!!  Ask.

Rule of thumb:  don't spend it if you ain't got it.

Answer 3

Yes you did offer your services for free however they  did insist on paying you so you should just ask when you can expect your compensation.  This is why I never mix business with friends.  Simply tell them what you said that you budgeted for the extra $2,000 and wondered when you can expect to receive payment.  Don't be surprised if they are short of funds and have suddenly decided your work was free like you originally suggested.  If you value the friendship then you may have to bite the bullet on this one but let it be a lesson not to do favours for friends or offer your professional services for free in the future.

Answer 4

As everyone else said, you need to ask.  They told you that they would pay you.  I agree with what has been said so far.  They probably will suddenly decide that hey, you originally were going to do it for free, so they don't have to pay up.  Also, yes, you don't mix business and friends.  Rock that boat.

If they don't pay up, try taking them to small claims court.  (With no paperwork, you'll probably lose if it is a his/her word vs. his/her word situation though.)  

If they don't pay up, I wouldn't even bother continuing to be friends with them.  If they can't stick to their word over $2000, then any other promises they make are worthless too.