Collecting on Overdue Debt: Spread Goodwill Without Loosing Your Shirt

Posted by Adam_Gottlieb under Customer Service
From http://t.co 4848 days ago

When customers don't pay, it can bring a business' operations to a grinding halt. But how should business owners handle their previously loyal customers who are now facing financial hardship- especially when the business is small and the customers are local? ...

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Comments

Written by businessavante
4848 days ago

#'s 2 & 4 are a great way to help a loyal customer out in bad times, but be forewarned that when they're back on their feet they may still do business elsewhere - either in spite of your help, out of shame, or worst case - they were using you. But it's good to at least try to help. I've experienced all 4 outcomes - a grateful, loyal customer, and all 3 negatives listed.

businessavante

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Written by Adam_Gottlieb
4848 days ago

Yoni,

Do you have a written Independant Contractor Agreement? If you don't, then you need one- especially as a freelance writer. In it you can specify the details of your assignment, when it is due, how much and when you'll get paid, etc, and you could try to get a kill fee added in as well. I have a sample contract on my site (http://frugalentrepreneur.com/free-business-forms-templates/) that you could look at to give you an idea of what to include.

If both you and the client sign it (you can even do this online with a e-signature app such as Adobe esignature https://esign.adobe.com/), then at least you have a legal document in your hands should the client try to "disappear."

Adam

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Written by yoni67
4848 days ago

Adam,

Great post that takes into account goodwill and financial hardship.

That being said, I've been stiffed on some work I've done several times. I've sent the completed project only to have emails and phone calls go unanswered.

My only recourse has been to make voodoo-dolls of the client and stick pins in it and in my imagination hear them scream!!! :)

Yoni

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