I Need the MONEY! (Full Version)

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Nicole -> I Need the MONEY! (4/25/2005 18:56:07)

Hi everyone,

My contract currently says that the client shall pay half up-front and the remainder on site completion.

For this particular job i've been paid the initial amount, but can't complete the job because the client is proving a bit stubborn in delivering the final information i need to complete their site and upload it.

I'm now wondering whether i should have a more progressive payment scheme in place like 3 or 4 installments, or whether i should include a clause in the contract in the future that states if the job is completed to s stage where i can't upload it because i'm waiting on content, or approval or something else like that, then i'll be paid 75% of the remainder, the other 25% when the site is finally uploaded.

Do any of you have any suggestions on this, do you work in the way i'm thinking of, do you work your contract the same as mine is now or differently again?

Nicole



BobbyDouglas -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/25/2005 19:47:45)

Depending on the relationship I have with the client, will determine what payment plan is made.

I have had one site in production for a year now (due to lack of information). We don't have a contract that says the client needs to give me content by a certain date, the client is just very busy with many other things. I have done most of the website in phases, and did half upfront, and half when the site is completed for the first phase. After I learned a little bit more about the client, and figured that it could take awhile to receive content, I changed the payment plan to all upfront. By this time I have developed a relationship with the client to the point where they knew I was here to help them.

When I usually do small websites ($200-$450) I will request all upfront. Larger ones will be determined by whatever is stated in the contract.

A simple line added to your contract, requiring the client to provide you will all details by "Date X" will solve your problem in the future.

For now, let your client know that you would like to finish up the site because you have other projects on hold. This makes your client feel bad about holding off on the content, and will kind of push your client to a state that he/she feels things need to be completed. If it isn't in your contract, there isn't much you can do.



Nicole -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/25/2005 20:15:58)

Hi Bobby,

It's not in my contract with this client and i realise i can't change that now, i was thinking more of future clients though. Thanks for your comments.

I also have a very good rapport with this client, but i also may be unreasonably influenced by the following things:
  • Like anyone i guess, i like to work on a job start to finish, I don't mind having two or more jobs on the go at once, as long as i know that i'm not working on a particular site for a reason, and while i'm not working on it, my client is getting me the information etc. When it starts to drag out i begin to get frustrated. (Boy! have I lots to learn about business?)
  • I now realise just how poorly structured this client's workplace is, i'm constantly redirected to other staff members to take instructions from them, which has subsequently caused the inconsistencies in content and the delay also. (another thing i'll include in my revamped contract is that i'm to deal with one person only)
  • The third point is that i'm relying on this money as i'm starting out in business and need income to fund capital growth which in turn will increase my ability to attract new clients. Two or more years down the track i feel this circumstance wouldn't bug me as much because i'd have the resources and other clients to keep me going.

Thanks again for your response.

Nicole

p.s. this new "Reply to Message" dialog box is great!



BobbyDouglas -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/25/2005 21:43:50)

quote:

Two or more years down the track i feel this circumstance wouldn't bug me as much because i'd have the resources and other clients to keep me going.

- Long term goals are great. I would take this instance as a small learning lesson (one of many I have experienced), and move on. It might be one site that draws your time a bit more than expected, but the knowledge you gained from this client will help you. Adding a timeframe to any contract is a good idea.

I don't know what is best for your business, just trying to give some tips with what info you provided.

I have taken a few businesses classes that have helped me learn quite a bit about contracts and how to spend $$. A lot of people will have some good insight on these issues, I am sure a lot of people here have experienced what you and I have and will hopefully drop by.

- the new reply box is great, but I prefer to look at the code for the text instead of the way it is now....



jaybee -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/26/2005 4:55:08)

We all get caught by this at one time or another. I just finished one where I made the mistake of not taking an upfront deposit and had to wait 4 months before I finally got all the info to complete. They were very good at paying when I sent the invoice in though.

I do have a completion date in my contract which says both parties agree to work diligently to complete the site by date xxxxxx and if the client has not supplied the information by that date then full payment is due.

As you didn't have the contract in place for this one, the only thing you can reasonably do is write to them, not email, write, stating that you have hung around waiting and you have other work on, if you don't get the info you need within 2 weeks, you will load the site as it is and payment will become due. Or words along those lines.



dpf -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/26/2005 8:53:58)

however, once "battle lines" are drawn, relationships can deteriorate.  As frustrating as this is, it does remain a huge project for Nicole and thus an important reference.  Have ayou tried a personal visit?  harder to ignore "face time"



jaybee -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/26/2005 9:22:49)

Oh Gorsh Dan. You're such a sweetie. Have you thought of a career in mediation and getting money out of clients? Or even a career in getting content out of clients.

Yes, my solution above is a last resort scenario.



dpf -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/26/2005 10:39:57)

its the former psychologist buried deep inside  <smile>



Nicole -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/26/2005 17:21:51)

Thanks Dan and Jaybee,

I told them yesterday that the site will go live on Monday and any outstanding content can be added in the free month maintenance i wrote about in another post.

Despite the design things i've learnt from doing this site, i've also learnt so much more about dealing with clients, people who are nice aren't always good clients and what it would be like dealing with a committee. I've gained a great deal of knowledge about the way i should reword my contract.

I knew it anyway, but i'm not tough enough when it comes to demanding things, sure i hold the upper hand and don't have to upload their site until work is completed and i've been paid, but i'd also like to be paid and have things run smoothly.

Thanks for your comments.

Nicole

Forgot to mention....I've started taking notes of important telephone conversations lately, conversations where issues are decided and dates are set. If ever i don't receive payment they'll be useful in mediation or small claims court. In a recent run-in with my real estate agent i did this with all telephone conversations and written correspondence and it was amazing to see them back down once they knew i'd made good notes of each communication.



BobbyDouglas -> RE: I Need the MONEY! (4/26/2005 19:51:44)

Nicole, I started to do that too. I now have good records of all client contact and the discussion we had, as well as notes that I need to do.

I use Cerberus Helpdesk, and keep a thread about each client in their, that really helps me organization.



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