Re: FN-FORUM: Website invoice advice needed please!

date posted 25th January 2005 23:06

On Wednesday 26 January 2005 00:35, Luke Perman wrote:
> All answers gratefully received...

I would call the guy, say you're sorry the relationship deteriorated into
mutual threats, and ask for a meeting to clear the air, run through the
sign-off document with him, and schedule the training.
Make a sign-off document based on the original agreement (deliverable a =
completed website, deliverable b = user training etc etc)
At the meeting go through the document together so he can agree that the work
has been completed bar the training. Agree a date for the training and give
him a copy of the printed CMS documentation.
Tell him you feel uncomfortable at not having received any payment yet, and
ask whether they have trouble paying you, or if there is another reason.
Explain that you depend on this money as your main income, and ask for a
part-payment 'upfront' and get him to agree to pay the rest on the day of the
training.
If they can't pay, get him to agree to pay x each month, and actually call
each month to follow this up.

This kind of thing can give a real kick if you pull it off and get payment in
full, but you have to grab the bull by the horns and meet them in person to
show you're not scared.

YMMV I guess :o)

Now you know why other people/companies ask for staged payments :o)

I can recommend a book called 'getting past no' , I know it's marketing
drivel, but it's an easy read, and has ideas on tackling difficult people.
For instance start each reply by agreeing with what they just said (Yes, I
can see your point of view there...) and follow up with your qualifications
(...yet the only way I can see of helping you with that is if we etc...)

YMMV even more :o)



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