Client Refusing to Pay

[olud]

Forgive me guys if this is the wrong section to post this but i need your advice and experience

I got a 2 week contract from through an agency. At the end of the 2 weeks, the client renewed the contract for another 1 week. Through this period, i was asked to develop different applications, which were tested by the client before being released to their users. At the end of the 3rd week, the client asked that i stay for another 4 days but they will like to deal directly with me, leaving the agent out so the agent is under the impression that the contract ended at the end of 3 weeks.

By the end of the 4 day extension, all applications i developed were thoroughly tested, bugs were fixed by me, in short all apps were singed off by the client's project manager before i left. I was also asked by the head of department to send him my invoice which he promised will be paid quiclky.

3 days after i left, i got an email from the head of dept. with a long list of bugs (the majority of which were discovered during testing, fixed and signed off before i left) that he purports were discovered after i left. He also said that he will have to employ someone to fix the bugs and will deduct the cost from my outstanding invoice. Can they do this? What course of action can i take?

[northernladuk]

Forgive me guys if this is the wrong section to post this but i need your advice and experience

I got a 2 week contract from through an agency. At the end of the 2 weeks, the client renewed the contract for another 1 week. Through this period, i was asked to develop different applications, which were tested by the client before being released to their users. At the end of the 3rd week, the client asked that i stay for another 4 days but they will like to deal directly with me, leaving the agent out so the agent is under the impression that the contract ended at the end of 3 weeks.

You do realise cutting the agent out like this comes with a whole host of risks. It is probably in breach of the client agent contract and will definitely be in breach of the contract between you and the agent. This mistake could cost you a lot of money if the agent finds out.

By the end of the 4 day extension, all applications i developed were thoroughly tested, bugs were fixed by me, in short all apps were singed off by the client's project manager before i left. I was also asked by the head of department to send him my invoice which he promised will be paid quiclky.

3 days after i left, i got an email from the head of dept. with a long list of bugs (the majority of which were discovered during testing, fixed and signed off before i left) that he purports were discovered after i left. He also said that he will have to employ someone to fix the bugs and will deduct the cost from my outstanding invoice. Can they do this? What course of action can i take?

I wonder if he cut the agent out so he could do this to you?

Have you responded to the comments regarding the bugs etc... Do you believe he is correct?

Depending on the amount of work required and if you did leave this bugs in can you not offer to rectify it in your time?

[olud]

Thanks northernladuk, Like i mentioned, all the bugs had been fixed before i left and signed off. I replied to him with the list, fixes and who signed them off. He then came back saying there were 2 new minor bugs!

[northernladuk]

Thanks northernladuk, Like i mentioned, all the bugs had been fixed before i left and signed off. I replied to him with the list, fixes and who signed them off. He then came back saying there were 2 new minor bugs!

And do you agree and how long will it take to fix them?

[TheFaQQer]

Thanks northernladuk, Like i mentioned, all the bugs had been fixed before i left and signed off. I replied to him with the list, fixes and who signed them off. He then came back saying there were 2 new minor bugs!

So now offer to go back in and fix them.

If you had a signed timesheet from the client with a decent disclaimer on it, then this wouldn't be a problem.

[rootsnall]

It's probably a put it down to experience job and write off the money, I wouldn't fix the bugs if your story is how it happened. I'd try a few semi threatening emails asking for payment, have you got emails asking you to do the work and any sort of agreement on a rate ? If not sounds like you've been sha*ted.

[Andy Hallett]

Threaten to grass up the client to the agency, await BACS transfer.

[Wanderer]

3 days after i left, i got an email from the head of dept. with a long list of bugs (the majority of which were discovered during testing, fixed and signed off before i left) that he purports were discovered after i left. He also said that he will have to employ someone to fix the bugs and will deduct the cost from my outstanding invoice. Can they do this? What course of action can i take?

Yeah lots of businesses try and do this, it happens all the time. Do you work for free? Are you going to bend over and take it?

You are a business man now, so it's time to stand up for yourself. Do a search on this forum for "dunning" or have a read of this post.

It doesn't take much to start one with them so don't let them get away with it or people will walk all over you. Keep it businesslike and don't get into a slanging match with them.

[BolshieBastard]

Threaten to grass up the client to the agency, await BACS transfer.

Good shout!

Do you think it would work!?

[Wanderer]

Good shout! Do you think it would work!?

No, but it would be funny to watch.