I just got an email from a former client, from 7 years ago, to do additional work. At the end of the project he had threatened non payment over certain things. It ended badly, and neither of us was very happy the other.
I can't believe that he doesn't remember what happened the last time, and would think that I'd work for him again. I replied simply that I wasn't interested in doing the work. I didn't want to go into detail or reasons why, figuring that it would turn into something. What is it with some people?
He probably remembers, he just has pissed off all the other surveyors in town more recently.
Do the work, AFTER you get paid up front.
Keep us posted with his pleas for you to come back.
Most likely, they've been around the barn, and here you are again. It happens, and if the conditions are right; a clear scope and money up front, go for it. Good luck.
Gellen,
1. Great website!
2. Your avatar is swinging that sledge with the wrong hand.
[sarcasm]After several years he has built up his confidence and is certain that he can outsmart you this time.[/sarcasm]
> 2. Your avatar is swinging that sledge with the wrong hand.
And apparently trying to break the prism pole!?
For me... I'd lay out what happened last time, tell him you'd rather not, but if you want me to do it here are the terms... make a contract (with a clause that there are no refunds if there are problems and job can not be completed) with exact scope of work and get all the money up front (make sure checks clear before starting). Give them a hefty price and see what happens.
> For me... I'd lay out what happened last time, tell him you'd rather not, but if you want me to do it here are the terms...
I was going to keep quiet on this one, but I can't help myself.
I've had a number of similar clients over the years. One in particular stiffed me on a development that went bad and I didn't figure I'd ever see him again.
4 to 5 years later he was back up and running. To his credit, when this guy made money, he did it big. He paid me what he had owed, laid out the sweet talk and kissed me a little behind my ear...I jumped back in.
This time he stiffed me for twice what he was into me for the first time around.
Policy since 1999: Once stiffed, twice shy. Too many clients that throw negative numbers up on your accounts receivable will hurt your business.
My opinion is their respect for you and your organization wasn't there originally, and probably won't be there this time around. Don't even take the chance to find out.
I forgive, but I never forget. If you stiffed me once I want nothing to do with you, ever. You have proven you are not trustworthy, and life is too short.
Bit like getting back with an ex, isn't it? Doing the same thing over again expecting a different result?
I had a client I called 'The Wolverine'. She wanted me to do additional work for their family. I was tempted to give them a price that would make them puke but decided that they might just accept it so said 'no thank you' instead.
> I forgive, but I never forget. If you stiffed me once I want nothing to do with you, ever. You have proven you are not trustworthy, and life is too short.
I am with Mr. Small on this one. Once I have fired a client they are fired forever.
Larry P
I have no intention of working for this guy again. Like I said, I emailed a reply saying I'm not doing it. If I wanted the work, I'd find some way of making it work out, but this guy was such a jerk, I'm not going to.
:good:
I might, however, indicate that I would be willing to do the work upon receipt of all monies owed, and then tell him, sorry I am too busy...after the check clears of course!
> I have no intention of working for this guy again. Like I said, I emailed a reply saying I'm not doing it. If I wanted the work, I'd find some way of making it work out, but this guy was such a jerk, I'm not going to.
Yeah, but if you were to lead him on a little bit, we all could enjoy the show here together for the holidays.
I would work with him again under a very strict deal. Cash upfront.
Life is too short for holding a grudge.
I was working for a large engineering/surveying firm several years ago and did some work for a client that didn't have the best reputation around. The project went smoothly, but it took over a year to get paid.
Several years later he comes back after a state govt. agency busted him for building a pond without a permit and as I would soon discover not only without a permit, but half of it was on the neighbors property and part within the railroad R/W. I demanded a hefty retainer up front (half of what I thought it would cost) and wrote the contract to be billed monthly on a "by the hour" basis. I also wrote it that no documents would be released until the tab was paid up.
I was eating lunch with one of the competitors in town and he became a topic of discussion. He had made his rounds with the other guys after our first foray with him and was in debt to everybody in town and on the verge of bankruptcy.
Needless to say he showed up with the retainer and a lawyer to try and change the terms of the contract. I said no go and left it at that.
About two weeks later everything he owned was listed in the paper for a bankruptcy sale.
As aggravating as it is, I can have a little bit of understanding for a client who runs into hard times after he hires me, but when someone tries to hire me knowing full well that he can't pay me, that really chaps my hide.
" but when someone tries to hire me knowing full well that he can't pay me, that really chaps my hide."
I totally agree - but the ones that make me even madder are those that hire me knowing full well that they can pay me, but just won't ever pay me.
