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Subject:Good Guys, Bad Guys From:Dennis Hays <dhays -at- NOVALIS -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 5 May 1997 16:42:51 -0400
In all of the years I've been contracting, I've realized one thing. Those
companies that call me in at the last minute for a "rush" job are, for the
most part, the same companies I've had financial problems with. So, I have
a policy (and I'm strict about it)--One half the estimated amount up front
and a signed agreement. This usually separates the those who will pay from
those that have no or little intention to pay.
It's difficult to adhere to this if there's wolves at the door and the kids
are crying for fresh milk. But, in the long run, those that pay have no
problems with signing an agreement and paying 1/3 to 1/2 up front. Those
that object are the same companies that slow pay/no pay later. While this
might sound like generalizations, in 20 plus years I can count the
deviations on one hand.
In my earlier years, I've taken jobs where the client needed the work
"yesterday," and my pay came tomorrow. Whenever someone told me their
client hadn't paid them yet, I said my invoice isn't tied to your
receiveables. I have an agreement with you, not your client. I spent more
work as a collections agent for my own money and felt the frustrations of
being put off. So, I made a contract with myself. Unless I know the company
(have done business before with them), have them sign the paper and a check
first.
Finally, anyone that tells you that your work was unsatisfactory, weeks or
months after the contract has been completed, is blowing smoke. If your
work was truly unsatisfactory, you would have known about it during the
contract or immediately upon submission. This objection is a common method
for shifting the blame to you. That they're unable to accept the
responsibility to pay for the goods is near robbery. Hire a good lawyer.
Dennis
Dennis Hays
Novalis Corporation
Telephone: 518/862-3465
eMail: dhays -at- novalis -dot- com
-------------------------------
To possess ideas is to gather flowers; to
think, is to weave them into garlands.
--Anon.
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I speak only for myself.
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