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ritarun
Posts: 678
From: Upstate New York USA
Status: offline
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Bounced Check fr Customer- recommend - 2/11/2004 7:10:20
I am new at charging for web work. One of my new customers gave me a check that "bounced" at the bank. I have already posted the customer's web site to the world. I spend much more time than I charged for on this web (some due to my skill level and more due to lack of information from the client). The first check of $100.00 cleared with no problems. The customer sent me a second $500.00 check (this is the one that bounced). Customer has not returned service agreement that was sent to be signed. It's been difficult to have communications with this customer.
This morning I got an e-mail request to please not resubmit the check and that they would be in touch soon about the issue.
Need some advice. What would you, as the more experienced "for hire" folks do? How do I handle the bank fees?
If the payment issue can't be resolved within a few days do I take down the site until payment is cleared? or what?
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Success often occurs in private, but failure usually in full view.
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erinatkins
Posts: 3072
From: Mechanicsville VA USA
Status: offline
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RE: Bounced Check fr Customer- recommend - 2/11/2004 9:52:43
Ritarun,
I have faced this problem a few times.
1)1st thing I would do is call customer & see when she thinks you can resubmit check. Occasions someone can bounce a check & it is a honest mistake.
2) If she does not call back in day I would send email saying that I need response within x number days.
3) If she does not call or email back I would go to bank & try to cash check.
4) If check does not clear - I would take site down.
5) I would send invoice for bank check fees.
Normally with call or email problem is taken care of ASAP.
If site is important to them - they will pay if site is down.
Looks like New York law allows a bit for damages
3)
< Message edited by erinatkins -- 2/11/2004 9:53:02 >
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All Hail Great Spooky - Master of the Outfront Forums. He can make you or break you.
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ellipisces
Posts: 849
Joined: 12/14/2003
Status: offline
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RE: Bounced Check fr Customer- recommend - 2/11/2004 22:06:52
In all things, try to put yourself in their shoes. They could be having a hard time. The website may be their only hope of coming out OK. I think the most important thing may be to try and maintain communication. Another thing to consider is, how much is it costing you right now? Yes, you put a lot of time into it, and that is gone, and nobody can give that back to you. While, I would recommend not putting any more into it until you are recompensated, if it is only costing you a few dollars a month to host the site, why get nasty? Would you risk losing a customer for a few dollars, or would you rather be willing to work with them and have a customer for life? A recent example:
I completed a website for a client under my usual agreement 1/2 up front and 1/2 at completion. The first check was fine and the second bounced. Then no contact for months. I left the site up and running. At long last, I sent a message that I would have to discontinue service because I was going to get bumped up to another service level unless I trimmed off some "dead accounts". Turns out that the company's largest investor had died and the company was going through a rough time. They had found new investors and ended up paying me all of the past due, and the new investors were a venture capital company. They give me first shot at all of their new ventures!
Also, now, whenever the new hotshot web designer contacts them about switching, they always reply the same; "Sorry, we already have a great host service and we are not interested in changing, EVER!"
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ritarun
Posts: 678
From: Upstate New York USA
Status: offline
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RE: Bounced Check fr Customer- recommend - 2/12/2004 6:28:00
Thanks for the responses and different view points.
While I will not go into the finer details of how it came to this point, I will say that I know that there is nothing going on anywhere near what ellipisces
referenced.
Mojojo and some private responses to me have helped me decide what to do.
Thanks. What a learning experience this one has been! I'll know better next time.
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Success often occurs in private, but failure usually in full view.
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