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Bribing a non paying customer

by rosetrees
6 replies
I had to share this with someone - I'm not sure if I should have a wicked laugh, a cry or what?

I have a non-paying customer. My first for many years.

Long story very short - I redesigned their existing website also registered a new domain, added content and hosted that too.

After a bit of discussion about their unpaid invoice I resorted to removing the new website and replacing it with the original - about 3 hours ago.

I just had an email saying they will hand deliver the cheque!

I feel kind of sad, because I truly hate having to get heavy with people to get paid.
#bribing #customer #paying
  • Profile picture of the author BryansFitWorld
    Its much better than saying it up front, trust me, especially if your'e in the personal training business when you have to ask alot or sell somebody on a boot camp (£120 per month direct debit)

    So goes the world of business hehe, But I believe what you have done is well thought through business wise. especially if you have given them a notice.


    Originally Posted by rosetrees View Post

    I had to share this with someone - I'm not sure if I should have a wicked laugh, a cry or what?

    I have a non-paying customer. My first for many years.

    Long story very short - I redesigned their existing website also registered a new domain, added content and hosted that too.

    After a bit of discussion about their unpaid invoice I resorted to removing the new website and replacing it with the original - about 3 hours ago.

    I just had an email saying they will hand deliver the cheque!

    I feel kind of sad, because I truly hate having to get heavy with people to get paid.
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  • Profile picture of the author AnniePot
    You should also maybe consider leaving the old site up until their check has actually cleared.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary King
    I've had this scenario go two ways:

    1 - this is a bump in the road, and things are awesome from here on out with a long-lasting client relationship

    2 - this is the proverbial tip of the iceberg, and an indicator of how they will treat the relationship for eternity (or as long as I am willing to participate in it!)

    I'm fortunate to not have too many of these incidents, but after years and years, even 1/2 of 1% adds up, right?

    Keep a cautious eye to them, even requiring up front payment for the next few things you do for them. Do it gently but firmly - explain that it's your policy - you value their business, but simply must ensure that you are able to receive compensation for your effort. Otherwise, you are volunteering your time/services, and that doesn't pay the bills and put food in your mouth.

    Treat them fairly, but make sure they treat you fairly too!

    Rule 1 - never be afraid to fire a client.
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    • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
      Thanks for your support guys. I've been totally polite to them all along. No problems there.

      @Bryan - I sent them a very polite email last weekend and we had a polite discussion by phone where they promised I'd be paid by Friday!

      @Annie - I'm thinking I will wait til the cheque has been delivered before replacing the site. Hey - if it bounces, I'll take it down again

      @Gary - yes, I think payment in advance would be good - if they ask for any more work.

      I suspect this is just a blip and I'm sure it will be resolved in a friendly way.
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      • Profile picture of the author harrydog
        Hi Rosetrees
        Sorry to hear of your non paying customer. In business you have to accept that some people try to get something for nothing.
        You are not a charity and as with all of us you expect to get paid for your efforts. I am sure the business you did the work for expect their customers to pay.
        Going forward I would concur with other posters that if these people want any future work doing (assuming their cheque actually clears) then they should pay upfront.
        Also I would take a look at your terms and conditions at quoting stage. If you get these right (also re iterated at order stage) then if they do not pay you can legitimately take legal action to get them to pay.
        We have a non paying rate of approx 5% in our business and once the term of payment has passed we automatically hit them with a Solicitors letter (this seems to work) and its amazing how people pay up. It costs us £25 to send the Solicitors letter (our average invoice value is £400) and we haven't had to actually take anybody to court so far.
        Also if you use a Solicitor for this they can take non payers to court, get their bank accounts frozen and even get attachment of earnings. These are drastic measures that we haven't had to use and I hope we never have to use them.
        Basically you have to be firm with non payers as if you let it slip they just take you for a ride.
        Hope all works out for.
        Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Wow ... I wouldn't feel bad about getting heavy handed to get the money they owe you. If they're going to hand deliver a check, they obviously have it (unless it bounces) and just didn't place high priority on getting you paid.

    As a freelancer years ago, I had to withhold product many times in order to get paid. Some never paid and I just repurposed the product to sell to someone else.
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