Depending on the type of work being undertaken you can build in some extra "cover" in your quotation and on the drawing.
Where appropriate we include a Copyright Clause to the effect that the client has free use of the data "for the purposes for which the survey was undertaken, once the invoice has been paid. Use of the data prior to settlement will incur a quarterly charge of 10%".
That way, if he fails to pay as soon as the developer submits anything for the scheme which uses our plan we contact them and point out that our copyright conditions have been breached and request the quarterly charge. They almost invariably settle the 10% charge and then they kick the original client hard - he then pays rather than put his whole arrangement at risk.
Few developers want to run the risk of a Court action, just as they are trying to get approval for a scheme.
"No bank can refuse to cash a check written from their own bank and the check is made out to the person that is at the window asking for their money."
Nice thought but not reality
?ÿ
I have never had a bank refuse to cash a check drawn on them when there is enough money in the account to do so. ?ÿOf course, I must show proof of identity.
I glad I don't have to fool with the public. All our invoices are on purchase orders from the client with our agreed upon prices reflected thereon. As a result my AR's have never been over 1% for the last 30 years. The accounting departments with some large production builders leave much to be desired. Some have paid us twice for a service. As a result of accounting inefficiency on their behalf we have over $150K sitting in an "overpaid" account. We have addressed this with them on numerous occasions to no avail. Apparently it would cost them more and time and money to correct it so they blow it off. That's Ok with me.
If I did deal with the public, the first time a check didn't clear I would stop work, with liens and a lawsuit following closely behind. I refuse to tolerate deadbeats even if I lose money pursuing it. Never release a project until you have been paid in full. If you do you'll get screwed sooner or later.?????ÿ
>over $150K sitting in an "overpaid" account. We have addressed this with them on numerous occasions to no avail. Apparently it would cost them more and time and money to correct it so they blow it off
Either they have vastly overpaid accountants, or their incompetence is beyond the overpayment. That ought to pay someone at their company for months of full-time effort to recover it.
you understand that article was about cashiers checks and not personal/business checks right?
If the check makes you wary, I can't imagine that the client or project doesn't also.?ÿ
I don't deal with cash.?ÿMy agreement for services stipulates that all fees due to collect payment are the responsibility of the client. This means NSF checks, collection, etc. I've had NSF checks but never had the writer balk at paying all fees and charges associated with them. My current clientele and business practices pretty much eliminates the risk of not being paid so I rarely require an advance fee deposit. I guess I am blessed.?ÿ
?ÿ
I like the guaranty that comes with getting paid at closing because every invoice presented to the closing agent is funded before any transaction is signed and transferred and everyone gets paid or it does not happen.
Most of the time, the money is already funded before they order the survey.
With a survey order in hand, I am going to get paid what is owed or they will have to pay more if it goes into small claims or a lien is filed on their property.
My business is operated on a cash basis and I offer my client a 5% discount when they pay in cash.
This is over a 30 year period. I'd like to transfer it to me. The accountant says ask my lawyer and my lawyer says ask your accountant.
It sounds like you are living the dream or at least a charmed life. Don't understand why you would not deal in cash, sounds kinda silly to me as I like cash.
FLGA PLS
As with you I never release a survey or any other work product without full payment and at times if it was a check and if I have reason to doubt the check I have held onto the survey until the check cleared. It has angered some folks but I am the only surveyor I know who has collected every single penny he has billed.
I am an uncompromising hard a$$ when it comes to getting paid for my services and I too have no tolerance for someone who rips people off.
Exactly what I do!! Deposit is applied to last invoice.
