When Should You Count the Client's Money?

Check the money right then and there. Look at the client, smile, and shake their hand with a warm, "Thank You!"

Kent McMillan, post: 420461, member: 3 wrote: To tell you the truth, this was the first time that I gave a client a bill and they handed me an envelope full of money. Well, maybe it was only about a grand in hundreds and maybe a #10 envelope can hold more, but in my decades of work that was a first. Invariably it's a check, not cash.

I suspect that some of you deal more frequently with customers who paid in cash, so here's the question. Do you usually check the money as you're standing there or do just take the envelope and count it later? What's the protocol?

I'd say count it as you stand there. When I pay someone in cash, I generally ask them to count it right away to make sure I didn't make a mistake. After all, if you call later saying he's short $200 and he honestly thought he put $1000 in the envelope, that's an unworkable situation.

I try to maintain the demeanor of someone who is double-checking the count for both of us, as opposed to the demeanor of someone who is trying to catch a cheat.

I once had a client ask me if he could accompany the crew to show them a monument or two at a very remote jobsite. He promised he wouldn't try to help them with the work, so I said OK. We arranged for him to meet the crew at the office to get an early start. I arrived at the office at the normal starting time to find a HUGE Harley hog in the parking lot. I went over and ogled it for about 15 minutes - one of the most beautiful machines I had ever seen. I wondered all day how things were going... The crew returned around 5:00 with the client - heavily tattooed, full leathers and more chains and bling than I could comprehend. He said "Your crew was great! They did just what I wanted and really quickly too - couldn't have gone smoother! How much do I owe you?" I mumbled something about having to prepare an invoice and mail it to him. He said "I'd rather get it taken care of right now." He pulled out the biggest roll of bills I have ever seen in my life and started peeling off $100's onto my desk. I don't remember where I told him to stop, but he added 1 more for good measure, thanked me again, shook my hand, and went out and fired up the beast. "Julio" - best client I ever had! I bet he had 20G's or more in that roll...

It's all cash in southern Oregon since the Oregon marijuana rush started, I understand?? Jp

Jp7191, post: 420470, member: 1617 wrote: It's all cash in southern Oregon since the Oregon marijuana rush started, I understand?? Jp

Do it right in front of them and give them a receipt; a copy of the invoice with paid in full, your signature and date works well.

The only time I have been burned is the one time I didn't count the cash in front of them. It was a friend, but that is why I didnt count it. I counted it at the bank and it was $100 short...the teller concurred. I chalked it up as a stupid tax and let it slide with the friend. I never mentioned it because I hope it was an honest mistake.

It should be the same as when you pay a buck fifty for a packet of chewing gum at a store - the cashier counts it while you watch and you both silently agree it's correct - but in reality it's not quite the same. When I give or receive a large cash payment I get very nervous counting it, not sure why.

Jim in AZ, post: 420466, member: 249 wrote: I once had a client ask me if he could accompany the crew to show them a monument or two at a very remote jobsite. He promised he wouldn't try to help them with the work, so I said OK. We arranged for him to meet the crew at the office to get an early start. I arrived at the office at the normal starting time to find a HUGE Harley hog in the parking lot. I went over and ogled it for about 15 minutes - one of the most beautiful machines I had ever seen. I wondered all day how things were going... The crew returned around 5:00 with the client - heavily tattooed, full leathers and more chains and bling than I could comprehend. He said "Your crew was great! They did just what I wanted and really quickly too - couldn't have gone smoother! How much do I owe you?" I mumbled something about having to prepare an invoice and mail it to him. He said "I'd rather get it taken care of right now." He pulled out the biggest roll of bills I have ever seen in my life and started peeling off $100's onto my desk. I don't remember where I told him to stop, but he added 1 more for good measure, thanked me again, shook my hand, and went out and fired up the beast. "Julio" - best client I ever had! I bet he had 20G's or more in that roll...

I had the same experience. Obviously a biker, and wouldn't give me an address, but he paid cash right then and there. Seemed like a heck of a nice guy.

Most of the time the client counts it out in from of me like a teller at a bank and I gather it from the table.
😀

Right then. I know that I have made mistakes. Anyone can.

I usually count it right then...unless they paid me with chickens or hogs....:D

I have yet to be paid in cash, but most of my work is for corporations and public agencies.

Jim Frame, post: 420487, member: 10 wrote: I have yet to be paid in cash, but most of my work is for corporations and public agencies.

It was definitely a novelty. Considering that was once in thirty years in business, it may well be both the first and the last time that happens to me.

Whether you count cash when it's presented or wait until later probably depends on a few factors.

1. How good a poker player are ya?

2. How many "assistants" does your client have standing behind him...expressionless?

3. Are there witnesses within 30 yards and is your car running?

All seriousness aside, count it. As mentioned above it is a good idea (according to Margaret Post, Emily's Granddaughter that is now publishing the book "Etiquette") to have the payer count it as presented to the payee.

I've received cash payments several times. I always count in front of the client.

And when I make a large cash payment to someone, I tell them to count it and check me.

Had a fella come in paid a 10k bill in cash. All small bills. I was like WTF don't you write checks. He was like nah. When I did count it after he left, iirc it took 2-3 hours and was $20 or $40 short don't remember the exact amount it was short. Needless to say I didn't say anything about it.

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Just last week I was to meet a contractor on site to transfer data and help with the localization. I didn't give them a price yet for the model or the localization (it was just a handful of lots to learn the equipment) and when I arrived, the boss man couldn't be there so after transferring the data and the localization, the field guy hands me a signed blank check and said to fill it out myself.

Hispanic clients in my area often pay in cash.

People with actual money (not pretense of having money) at times pay in cash also. Usually not concerned with change either.

Count it yourself right away right in front of him then write it down on the invoice and sign and date it. Do this even if the client just finished counting it himself. A few months ago, I had a client hand me two stacks of 20's each in a rubber band intending to pay me $2k. Each bundle was actually 2k after I counted...he was appreciative.