Non-payment

Everyone needs to adhere to this motto.

"The thing is, you see, I don't care if they don't like me, and I'll certainly never work for them again."

You might not care to work for them again, but you never know who they are talking to or how the story may get twisted. If you didnƒ??t need the money, why jeopardize future work with this firm or your reputation as a professional? Whatƒ??s the difference in getting paid on Friday or Wednesday of next week? Iƒ??m all about getting paid. But I want to keep getting paid. Iƒ??m not willing to risk future income over a couple of business days.?ÿ

Some clients are all about "flash" but don't care to turn loose of any "cash".

That is how they operate.?ÿ If you don't keep the pressure on them, they will never pay.?ÿ Too many roll over and let it slide, which encourages these slimeballs to try it on the next fool who agrees to provide them a service.

Posted by: @bruce-small

SBTR

SBTR?

@jonathan50?ÿ

State board of Tax Review.

That type of client always needs the survey in a big hurry but are never in a big hurry to pay.?ÿ It seems almost insulting that they would say "next week" knowing that they are already a month behind.

As for pushing, and people liking you...

I have found that people like people they respect. They have to or they create dissonance. They may not like them in the aspect of wanting to invite them for lunch, however I doubt it will poison your professional relationship to be professional yourself. This includes expecting other professionals to treat you with respect (pay the bills).

@tom-bushelman?ÿ

And knowing that they not be a paying next week either.

I learned my lesson years ago doing layout for contractors on highway construction projects that I had to pay my people prevailing wages on.?ÿ I bill on such projects monthly and expect payment within 15 calendar days.?ÿ I used to get the story that they would pay me when they get paid which had me waiting because they missed their billing deadlines.

I made up my mind that I would no longer take on projects that had me getting paid when my client got paid.?ÿ If they want to work with me, I want my contract with their client so that I am not financing their payroll and materials while being responsible for my own payroll.?ÿ The only exception to this that I make is working directly for title companies where I get paid within a week of settlement.?ÿ Knock on wood, I have never been burned by a title company when a deal falls through, but, that possibility always exists.

@chris-bouffard?ÿ

100%?ÿ

@tom-bushelman Exactly. My wife and I would be mortified if someone said it had been two months and no payment. The check would be cut in the next ten minutes and delivered within the hour.

@bushaxe But it's not a couple of business days is it. It's 2 months+.

An option is to go pull your monuments. Tell them that you have pulled them, and taken down the flagging. They will have to pay the following to get them back.

Invoice 1. currently past due

Invoice 2. (Pull the monuments)

Invoice 3. Replace the monuments

You can get a court order IF you find that your created description was in fact used, for a transfer of title.

This is called "using survices without compensation"

And, the deed of transfer becomes prima facie evidence.

If they deny an agreement for your services, why do we find your product on the deed?

N

?ÿ

@totalsurv They definitely made a mistake by missing his invoice and not acknowledging his reminders. And it did suck that he had to go to these lengths to get someone on the phone to acknowledge that they still owed him a check. All of that was inexcusable on behalf of the client. But when the client ?ÿoffered to make things right he threatened them. Thatƒ??s the only part that I would do differently.

Posted by: @bruce-small

We don't need the money but I earned it and I want it.

Damn right. Kudos on being one of the more successful land surveying firms that has the ability to select their clients. You gain respect by not putting up with the corporate BS about non payment. When you have to ƒ??hold their feet to the fireƒ? for payment they ainƒ??t worth a damn as a client. ?????ÿ

Guys, in all seriousness, no matter where you are in your business growth, just starting out or been doing it for decades, you never, ever need a client who doesn't pay promptly. Drop them fast. They may need you but you don't need them. We've had several wonderful firms in our area, bright people and the best equipment, but they let a developer get in deep and had to fold up shop and walk away. If they dangle a million dollar project in front of you and would really like to have you on board but somehow can't pay for a $4,000 survey, run. All you will miss is a million dollar debt and you will not be able to recover.

Amen.

Slow pays are almost as bad as no pays.?ÿ Burned once, shame on the client.?ÿ Burned twice, shame on you.,