Early termination charges

[GoodCreditMan]

I run a small business that had a dedicated internet connection agreement with a company. I had to cancel due to computer failure. When I went to cancel with the company they claimed:

1) I had to notify them in writing 30 days in advance so they would bill me for another month no matter what
2) I had to pay "early termination charges" of $16,000.

Before I even finished the conversation with them they had already threatened me with collections, even though I am still current with them and have to pay for another month.

I read the contract they claimed held me to these charges and I don't see any such clause. Plus, they already to have violated the agreement in several ways.

Does anyone have any ideas on how I handle this if they do send it to collections?

[NightStar]

Business debt is not covered by the FDCPA I would think that you need to seek the assistance of an attorney.

[tonitunes]

I think this is a case where you definitely want to hire an attorney to help you out. You might be able to get them on breach of contract if they didn't deliver all the service in the way they said they would or some other small stipulation but an attorney is the only one who can look over your contract and be able to decide where to go from there.

[WhatTheFrank.com]

Do you have the proof they violated the agreement? Guess what the attorney will ask for. File a complaint against the company and collection agency with the attorney general online and with the better business bureau. All this does is rattle there cage. No business wants any bad attention brought their way. This may allow you to get a written cause for all their charges which you can use against them if need be. Another factor to use if you do have proof is mediation services in your court house. It is free. This helps you understand what the temperature is on their side. A business collection will report to your business credit report. MAYBE. You can check it with experian. Talk to an Attorney but don't pay for what if's or maybe's or anything other than resolve.