The cost of an LBA depends on who prepares it, how complex the debt is and whether you need legal advice. RobinReturn is built for clear UK B2B invoices where a pay-per-action workflow is enough.
RobinReturn's Letter Before Action action starts from £8. Court fees do not apply at LBA stage. If the case escalates, HMCTS court fees are separate and shown before you proceed.
A low price only helps if the case is suitable. The right route depends on the invoice value, dispute risk, evidence quality and whether you need legal advice.
| Option | Typical cost shape | Best for | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY template | Free to low cost | Very simple reminders where you are comfortable drafting and tracking everything yourself. | Weak evidence, missing deadlines or poor wording can make escalation harder. |
| RobinReturn | From £8 for the LBA action | Clear UK B2B unpaid invoices where you want a structured workflow without a monthly fee. | Not suitable where you need legal advice or representation. |
| High-street solicitor | Often hourly or retainer-led | Complex, disputed or high-value matters. | The cost can outweigh the value of smaller invoices. |
| Collection agency | Often a percentage of recovered sums | Cases where the commercial relationship is no longer important. | Can damage customer relationships and reduce net recovery. |
RobinReturn's LBA action is listed at £8. Where fixed statutory compensation under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts regime is enforced, RobinReturn also charges 50% of that fixed compensation. The principal invoice is not commissionable.
For example, if a £4,820 B2B invoice is paid after the LBA and £70 fixed compensation is recovered, the RobinReturn LBA stage cost would be £8 plus £35 from the fixed compensation. The invoice principal remains yours.
See the full price book for reminder, LBA and claim-form stages.
| Debt profile | Recommended route | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Clear B2B invoice, low dispute risk, below £10,000 | RobinReturn or structured self-service | The workflow is likely more important than bespoke advice. |
| Customer says the work was defective | Consider solicitor advice | The issue is evidence and liability, not just payment delay. |
| Consumer debtor or regulated credit issue | Do not use RobinReturn | The public site is positioned for B2B invoice recovery. |
| Large contract dispute or strategic account | Solicitor-led strategy | The downside risk may exceed the cost saving. |
RobinReturn's published Letter Before Action action starts from GBP 8. If statutory fixed compensation is enforced, RobinReturn also charges 50% of that fixed compensation. RobinReturn does not take a percentage of the principal invoice recovered.
No. Court fees apply only if the matter progresses to the claim stage. A Letter Before Action is a pre-court step.
No. If the debt is disputed, consumer-facing, high-value or legally complex, a solicitor may be the better option. RobinReturn is intended for documented B2B unpaid invoices and does not give legal advice.
Begin with a reminder, escalate to an LBA only when needed, and see costs before moving to the claim stage.