Re: Getting stiffed by a client

From: Jason Gastrich, B.A., M.A. (news_at_jcsm.org)
Date: 11/07/03 

Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2003 11:28:59 GMT

Chris wrote:
> On Fri, 07 Nov 2003 12:03:40 +0100, Matthias Gutfeldt
> <say-no-to-spam@gmx.net> wrote:
>
>
>>
>>> P.S. I can name and shame the client here if it will help you
>>> guys avoid getting involved with him.
>>
>> Don't do that. It can only get you into legal and other trouble.
>>
>
> I kind of thought that which was why I didn't do the naming and
> shaming in the original post.
>
> Thanks for the advice. I think the personal approach may be the best.
> I will be turning up at this guy's office in the very near future.
>
> C

Another thing that I like to do is be very persistent and very nice until it
is very obvious that someone is blowing me off. In other words, give this
person the benefit of the doubt, over and over, until you know they are
avoiding you on purpose.

There are many reasons for this. First, there are various things that can
go wrong with email. There are also lots of reasons why a person can miss
an email or two or three. Keeping calm and cool will be a good thing.

Next, remember that you still want payment and good relations. You want
your client to think, "Oops, I really should pay him. I think I will." If
you go nuts before the right time, then you will burn that bridge and
opportunity to let him gently change his tune.

And that's really the best way. Nice, persistent messages will often get
through to someone; unless they are really cold and mean. Suddenly,
something will snap and they'll decide to do what is right.

If nothing works, then you have to play hardball. I had to play hardball
with a guy who was holding my forum hostage for no good reason. He
eventually caved, but we aren't friends any more.

I've had a few situations like this, but I won't go into detail here.

Sincerely,
Jason

P.S. I'm still willing to write this guy and tell him that he should pay
you. And avoid his business.

P.S.S. Consider telling him about this newsgroup and conversation. Ask him
to post here and tell his side of the story.

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