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Working with a client who's not paid suppliers in the past

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    Working with a client who's not paid suppliers in the past

    I've recently been approached to do some work for a small business. It's something that, with a bit of juggling on my side, I could fit in around my normal 9-5 contract.

    I've just done some research (should have done it earlier), and have seen that the lady who runs the business (incorporated this January) had a previous similar company that was forced into insolvency last year after it was taken to court by a creditor. She also has another (similar) business that had compulsory strike-off action started against it earlier this year.

    We've chatted a few times over the last few weeks and I've prepared a proposal, which she was happy with. I know I shouldn't, but I feel I'd be "letting her down" if I backed out now as we're getting close to her go live date.

    We're getting to contract and schedule of work stage, and she's talking about booking travel and hotels for me for the first part of the project. Should I back out? Go ahead, but insist on full payment upfront?

    Thanks

    #2
    Originally posted by SaraDigital View Post
    I've recently been approached to do some work for a small business. It's something that, with a bit of juggling on my side, I could fit in around my normal 9-5 contract.

    I've just done some research (should have done it earlier), and have seen that the lady who runs the business (incorporated this January) had a previous similar company that was forced into insolvency last year after it was taken to court by a creditor. She also has another (similar) business that had compulsory strike-off action started against it earlier this year.

    We've chatted a few times over the last few weeks and I've prepared a proposal, which she was happy with. I know I shouldn't, but I feel I'd be "letting her down" if I backed out now as we're getting close to her go live date.

    We're getting to contract and schedule of work stage, and she's talking about booking travel and hotels for me for the first part of the project. Should I back out? Go ahead, but insist on full payment upfront?

    Thanks
    Go for weekly invoicing with immediate payment terms. Put that into the contract as your Ts&Cs. If she challenges then quote the payment history as a reason to not change.
    Full payment up-front may be asking a bit much.
    But you're right not to trust. Do you have IPSE+ membership?
    See You Next Tuesday

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by Lance View Post
      Go for weekly invoicing with immediate payment terms. Put that into the contract as your Ts&Cs. If she challenges then quote the payment history as a reason to not change.
      Full payment up-front may be asking a bit much.
      But you're right not to trust. Do you have IPSE+ membership?
      Thanks.

      Not an IPSE member, but have been looking at Standard membership. Had a quick look again, and can see IPSE+ would be better if I ran into problems with this client.

      The project would start with me doing 2 full days of work, before settling into a few hours a month. As you suggest, weekly invoicing sounds more reasonable for those few hours, but bit concerned I'd do the 2 days work and not see the money.

      Comment


        #4
        Payment in advance each month. I walked away from a good opportunity for similar reasons a few years ago.

        Or a personal guarantee.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by SaraDigital View Post
          Thanks.

          Not an IPSE member, but have been looking at Standard membership. Had a quick look again, and can see IPSE+ would be better if I ran into problems with this client.

          The project would start with me doing 2 full days of work, before settling into a few hours a month. As you suggest, weekly invoicing sounds more reasonable for those few hours, but bit concerned I'd do the 2 days work and not see the money.
          Seriously, I know the majority of B.O.S. contractors are not particularly sensible or able when it comes to non-agency type work, but would you seriously entrust even an hour of your time to someone with such a poor credit history ?

          If it was me, I'd be asking for the payment up front for the first two days and weekly invoicing with 7 day terms for the 'few hours a month'. (And before the 'experts' jump in and say you can't, you can. You can demand any terms you want. Their acceptance might be a different matter and if they don't be prepared to walk away). I did a load of work for a dodgy timeshare company in Newcastle years ago and the first 5 days, including travel and hotels, was paid in advance. Over the months, a little more trust was established, before they disappeared without trace, but at least I wasn't among the ones left owed money.
          When freedom comes along, don't PISH in the water supply.....

          Comment


            #6
            You feel like you'd be letting her down if you backed out now? Wait until she doesn't pay you. Maybe she screws suppliers over because they feel bad about letting her down rather than using common and business sense...
            'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks for the comments all.

              If it was me, I'd be asking for the payment up front for the first two days and weekly invoicing with 7 day terms for the 'few hours a month'.
              Yes, I think this is the route I'll go down, and with her past history she can't blame me. If she says no, that's fine. I'm happy to walk away.


              Originally posted by northernladuk View Post
              You feel like you'd be letting her down if you backed out now? Wait until she doesn't pay you. Maybe she screws suppliers over because they feel bad about letting her down rather than using common and business sense...
              I'd feel like I was letting her down, but ultimately I care more about my money than her go live date.

              Comment


                #8
                If you are delivering a project for a fixed cost (e.g. a website) then agree milestones with payments attached. 25% deposit then split the remaining between the milestones and don't deliver the next milestone until previous payment has cleared.

                Comment


                  #9
                  The amount of credit you should extend is the amount you're willing to lose.

                  It's not letting someone down. It's business and she has form that makes her untrustworthy.

                  When being wound up, was there a list of creditors published? If so, I would have a look and see if they are big corps or small businesses and maybe contact one or two to ask how she handled things.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    50/50 on the whole lot like other industries do all the time.

                    Comment

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