I got a solicitation today from someone whose name for some reason seemed vaguely familiar and it wa s for a very detailed asbuilt survey for a large portion of a nearby Fed-Ex facility. All the standard stuff plus underground and 1/2 foot contours.?ÿ
None of it scared me but one part of the terms and conditions was prominent that read, "Our standard terms and conditions contract is attached which states that you will be paid when we are paid".
I promptly responded and informed them that under no circumstances will we ever agree to terms to be paid when they get paid and for them to find another sucker to?ÿ play for a fool and that I find it highly objectionable that they are seeking professional services under those terms.
I sent my response and blocked the email and within a few minutes I noticed I had received received something from a blocked email and sure enough it was him playing dumb saying that they can revise the terms and for me to tell them what I want.
Delete.
Do you guys want it? I can send it to anyone interested in being played for a fool.
?ÿ
So tell them you want half up front and the other half when finished, and only after you've been paid will they get a map.
We don't paid you till we get paid, is not that uncommon to see, and its not worth blocking someone over, its a negotiation you just tell me them my terms are to be paid 30 days after I invoice, and I need 50% or whatever number upfront. Many times a smaller firm will get the job, and they done have the capital or they dont want to pay a for a service till they get paid.
Also the we withhold 10% until all work is done is also common, but I just tell them I am a professional service and we dont do the 10% game around here.
The 10% holdback and the we don't pay until we get paid are getting more common.?ÿ
Also the threats of criminal prosecution and if you win the bid you have to take the job are other deal breakers for me.?ÿ