Client might owe $$$?
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- freedom
I am working on a fashion book for a client. They have paid 1/3 the amount, but she said she won't be able to pay the next part on time, but is "good for it". There's still the 3/3 payment too. Do I postpone working on it? How do I tell her?
- randommail0
I guess you can continue working on it, but she sure as hell won't get a print-ready file until the last payment is made.
- monospaced0
You either agree to it or not, but you should revise the contract with the expected payment date and have her sign it. You complete the work with the understanding that payment will come on a certain date she is comfortable with, and then if she isn't "good for it" even then, at least you have it all in writing.
- Miguex0
I always tell my clients before I start: "My only rule is that I don't deliver files until the balance on the invoice is paid in full, there's no exceptions to this rule. Just making sure you know in advance"
Getting those files is your only way to motivate them to pay on time, basically you are a kidnapper and your work is your hostage.
The trash icon is your weapon.The toe (with nail polish) is represented by your low-res files
- Vee vants ze money Lebowski!Miguex
- "didn't read lol why isn't project launched"cannonball1978
- Frosty_spl0
Have you worked with them before? Is this a person or a company?
- doesnotexist0
did you sign a contract that outlines payment schedule?
i would adhere to that.
if you didn't, you can always withhold final delivery until you receive payment in full.
- nthkl0
Personally I'd stop work with the basic statement that I or the group can continue based on payment, otherwise efforts will be re-adjusted to paying clients. I wouldn't hold the files, that usually creates tension if you feel like she'll pay.
Hope you have more than one client and some savings to live on. That's usually how we do.
- formed0
Depends on how much money you have up front.
I never jeopardize a relationship for a small amount, particularly when they've paid 1/3 already.
I'd get clarity from her, discuss how this makes the last 1/3rd even more important. It is seems odd that she mentioned it, could be that she just switched banks or have some legitimate delay, or it could mean she doesn't have the cash. You gotta ask.
As for not giving the print file until final payment, good luck with that. I wouldn't have clients if I waited for final payment before delivering the product, that's just not how businesses work. I do, however, insist on payment to start.
You can, though, put language into the contract that states they do not have the right to reproduce or use until final payment. Most people won't look at that detail, but it gives you some flexibility should you need to leverage the contract to get payment, but also let's them have it w/o missing client deadlines, etc.
- omg0
- zarkonite0
She has ZERO money? Not even half of 1/3?
I would advise to be diplomatic in all communications but do try to figure out what's going on. It's totally appropriate to be worried about this and ask some questions, namely for partial payment as a gesture of good will on their part.
- monNom0
Just pause the project at the 2/3 mark until payment is received. Work on an internal project you haven't had time for (like a rock solid contract!). They might just have no money, in which case you're throwing good money after bad continuing to do the work for them.
And just in case you're thinking of being a nice guy and not wanting to spoil the relationship: If they're not paying, they have broken the contract. How would they act if they paid you and you didn't do the work? Standing your ground engenders respect among good clients and tends to get rid of bad ones.