The short answer
Chase early and in writing, with the quote, the invoice and proof of the finished work in one message. If that fails, send a final demand with a date, then ask your state tribunal or court which process fits. Prevention is easier: get the quote accepted in writing before you start.
General information, not legal advice. Tribunal rules and limits depend on your state and the type of dispute, so confirm with the tribunal or a lawyer. What tradies and homeowners say here comes from public Australian forum threads we read on 12 November 2026. We paraphrase it and leave out names. It is shared experience, not statistics or legal advice.
Confidence: likely. These facts come from official pages that we found by search and did not read in full. Check the linked source before you rely on a figure.
Step 1: chase in writing
Send one clear message: the job, the amount, the date it was due and how to pay. Attach the signed quote and any photos of the finished work. Keep it polite and short.
Step 2: send a final demand
If you hear nothing, send a final notice with a date. Say what you will do next, such as apply to the tribunal.
Step 3: find the right place to take it
Where an unpaid invoice goes depends on your state and how much is owed. State tribunals and local courts both deal with money disputes, but the consumer pages we read for NCAT and QCAT mostly describe claims made against a trader, so do not assume they cover an invoice you are chasing. Ring the tribunal or the court, ask which process fits a tradie claiming from a customer, and get legal advice for larger amounts.
Stop it happening again
- get the quote accepted in writing before you start
- take a deposit inside the legal limit and put stage payments on the quote
- write up every variation before you do it
- send the invoice the day the job finishes with your bank details
- do not hand over keys or leave until you have been paid, where that is practical
Security of Payment
Security of Payment laws help contractors and subcontractors in some situations. See our guide to check whether it applies to your job.
Common questions
What can I do if a customer refuses to pay?
Chase in writing, send a final demand and apply to your state tribunal.
Can I use NCAT or QCAT to chase a customer?
Their consumer pages mostly describe claims made against a trader, so ask the tribunal which process fits a tradie claiming from a customer.
Sources
- NCAT: consumer claims, checked 12 November 2026
- QCAT: consumer and trader disputes, checked 12 November 2026