Immani Blog

From Immani — Kenya's dispute resolution infrastructure.

My client won't pay me — how do I ask without losing the relationship?

August 27, 2026
Key Takeaway

Get paid without burning bridges: find out how to ask your client for payment without jeopardizing the relationship.

What happens when your client won't pay you?

You've delivered the project, sent the invoice, and waited patiently for your client to pay up. But the days turn into weeks, and the weeks turn into months. You're left wondering why your client won't pay you, and how to ask without losing the relationship.

Why usual advice doesn't fit

You've probably been told to send a strongly worded email or make a threatening phone call. But these approaches can backfire, damaging your relationship with the client and potentially even harming your reputation. You need a more nuanced approach that addresses the issue without burning bridges.

How Immani works in this specific context

Immani is a digital dispute resolution platform that allows you to file a dispute against your client using their phone number and a brief description of the issue. This sends a notification to the client, giving them a private window to respond and engage directly with you. If the client doesn't respond, the dispute becomes visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani, which often prompts a response.

What happens next concretely

To file a dispute on Immani, it costs only KSh 100. You'll need to provide your client's phone number and a brief description of the issue. The client will receive a notification, and you'll both have a private window to respond and engage directly. If the client doesn't respond, the dispute will become visible to anyone who looks up their phone number on Immani. You can close the dispute once you've reached an understanding with the client.

One step at a time

To get paid without losing the relationship, follow these steps:

  1. File a dispute on Immani using your client's phone number and a brief description of the issue.
  2. Wait for the client to respond to the notification.
  3. Engage directly with the client through the private window.
  4. Close the dispute once you've reached an understanding.

FAQs

A: No, you don't need a lawyer to use Immani. Our platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to anyone.

A: Disputes can be resolved in a matter of days, not months. Our platform is designed to be fast and efficient.

A: Yes, you can file a dispute on Immani regardless of your profession. Our platform is designed to be accessible to anyone with a dispute.

Ready to file a dispute?

File directly against the other person's phone number. No login required. KSh 100 to file.

Immani is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For complex cases or cases involving significant amounts, consider consulting a qualified advocate.

See how it works   File a dispute now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer to use Immani?

No, you don't need a lawyer to use Immani. Our platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to anyone.

How long does it take to resolve a dispute on Immani?

Disputes can be resolved in a matter of days, not months. Our platform is designed to be fast and efficient.

Can I get free legal information about my situation?

Yes. Immani Legal AI gives you answers based on Kenyan law — the Constitution, statutes, and case law. You can also draft legal documents, compare your case with precedents, and look up legal terms in plain language. It is free to use. Try Immani Legal AI →

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