getting clients to pay up...repost

[JBB]

This was a good discussion..

Here is the first post by JTGalt, quoted in it's entirety:

Quote:Getting work is one thing, getting paid is another. Here's some advice about what to do if a client won't, or can't, pay.

You completed your latest project on time, sent an invoice to your demanding client and are eagerly awaiting payment. . . and waiting. . . and waiting. . . and waiting.

Does this scenario sound all too familiar?

The sad fact is that even the wiliest independent contractors (ICs) often have difficulty getting paid. Some clients feel free to pay late, others never pay at all.

Get Personal
The psychological key to getting paid is to get personal. It's a lot harder to withhold payment from someone you know than someone you don't know. For this reason, don't rely on collection letters. Instead, telephone the client.

Be Persistent
When it comes to collecting debts, the squeaky wheel usually gets the money. A client with a faltering business and many creditors who has the money to pay just one, will likely pay the creditor who has made the most fuss.

A trick that lawyers use if they suspect a check might bounce is to call the bank first and ask if their are funds available to cover the check since the funds in bank accounts are always fluctuating and if there are sufficient funds at that point in time cash the check immediately.

If they do no have information about what bank accounts are being used by the person they are trying to collect from sometimes they send a small check for a few dollars to this person or business and if it is cashed they then have a target to go after.

Nolo Press

[JBB]

This thread had additional discussion which can be read in it's entirety on the wayback machine at archive.org

[Jeremy Singer]

This is a lot of money.  If you can, show up in person (in addition to sending letters of collection).  Don't let the gate keeper keep you out.
Find out who is the person most likely or most responsible for making those checks happen, and dog that person.
Remember - never make threats, but be sure to make the person aware of your resolve and interest in a prompt response.