Agencies have strong written approvals; a legal notice attaching the approved estimate and proof of delivery usually works, with a summary suit for the balance. Media pass-through costs should be claimed separately. Small agencies with Udyam registration can use Samadhaan.
Advertising, media and marketing services in Mumbai
Mumbai is India’s largest B2B market and its dues are the most varied: garment exporters in Dharavi and Andheri, chemical traders in Masjid Bunder, agencies and consultants billing corporates in BKC and Lower Parel. Cheque-based payments are still common in trading, so Section 138 is a frequent route, and arbitration clauses in corporate contracts often decide where a dispute is heard.
Campaign-based billing, media costs paid upfront by the agency, 60 to 120 day client terms and “results” disputes.
Proof to collect
Typically estimates and approvals, release orders, media invoices and proofs of publication, campaign reports and client sign-offs.
- Avoid: starting campaigns on verbal approval
- Avoid: results promised in a pitch deck being treated as a guarantee
- Avoid: not separating agency fee from media cost in the invoice
Forums in Mumbai
| Route | Forum |
|---|---|
| Section 138 (cheque bounce) | Metropolitan Magistrate courts (Esplanade, Mazgaon, Andheri, Bandra, Kurla and others) for Section 138 complaints |
| Summary suit / recovery suit | City Civil Court and the Bombay High Court Commercial Division for high-value recovery suits. |
| MSME Samadhaan | Maharashtra Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Councils (regional councils for Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Aurangabad and Amravati regions) (detail) |
| Arbitration | As per the contract clause |
How FundRaksha works for advertising, media and marketing services suppliers in Mumbai
- Free assessment of the documents your trade produces.
- Notice within 24 hours, itemising invoices, disputed and undisputed amounts and interest.
- Negotiation and documented settlement.
- Filing in Mumbai or before the Council if needed.
30% on recovery, nothing upfront.