Quandary>>> Take back a client that did not pay in the past (6 posts)

Topic tags: business practice, contract, former client
  • Sherry
    Master
    Sherry said
    1 year, 5 months ago:

    A former client has shown up, wanting my services. Should I accept his business after a signed contract? He says he will pay this time.

    @ursa | # | Top
  • Profile picture of
    Whiz
    Jules Webb said
    1 year, 5 months ago:

    If your comfortable working with him then accept on the condition that he pays in advance.

    @juleswebb | # | Top
  • Profile picture of
    Sage
    Joan Muschamp (Fagnani) said
    1 year, 5 months ago:

    I agree with @juleswebb – get some sort of retainer and bill against it. He needs to regain credit worthiness with you, and you need to minimize risk.

    Remember, this is business- you can preface it nicely, and be reasonable about the size of the upfront payment (half of your estimate, perhaps). But I would make sure you are paid before you turn over any deliverables.

    @joanmuschampfagnani | # | Top
  • Profile picture of
    Explorer
    Caroline Chen-Whatley said
    1 year, 5 months ago:

    Does he still have outstanding payment he hasn’t paid you yet?  I would request that as well.  Did you create an invoice for it and have recorded proof that you billed him previously?

    @carolinechen-whatley | # | Top
  • Profile picture of
    Explorer
    Cal Evans said
    1 year, 5 months ago:

    @ursa

    Personally, I’d only do it if I needed the money. Life is too short to deal with customers who don’t respect you. If you are comfortable with your existing customers then I’d politely decline.

    IMHO, etc.=C=

    @calevans | # | Top
  • Profile picture of
    Pioneer
    Dexter Eugenio said
    1 year, 5 months ago:

    i would take them back, but:

    *  either get paid before any work is done
    *  have their CC on hand to deduct the money on the spot (just after the job is done)
    *  or shorten the terms of the invoice (from 14 to 7 or whatever).

    ive done this in the past with a couple of clients.  sometime theyre lazy, sometimes their situ sucks, sometimes theyre just idiots.  but were all human

    so give em a chance, but make sure you get paid first!

    @dextereugenio | # | Top

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