How do you deal with nonpaying web clients?

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by Writingcreations, Apr 9, 2008.

  1. #1
    I have a web client who I did work for. They paid the deposit just fine but have not paid the balance remaining. I've sent several reminders. The amount left is small (under $50) but would still like to be paid from them. They claim to have revisions for me and want to send me the revisions and will follow up with the remaining balance. My fee didn't include revisions, I told them and I also said I would be happy to do them but not without the balance first.

    Any ideas on how to get blood from a turnip.

    BTW... this nonpaying client has nothing to do with my battle over getting payment from another writer (posted on my blog).
     
    Writingcreations, Apr 9, 2008 IP
  2. amanamission

    amanamission Notable Member

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    #2
    Well, I think there's two ways to look at it. I tend to feel that if revisions are required, I have in some way failed to satisfy, and will make every reasonable attempt to leave a client happy. Usually, communication at the start prevents this kind of situation.
    I don't know the details of your project, so I can't say whether the revisions requested are reasonable. Obviously, you can't do a complete rewrite for free. But if they didn't get what they wanted, I would think you'd want to go out of your way to make it right.
     
    amanamission, Apr 9, 2008 IP
  3. Writingcreations

    Writingcreations Peon

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    #3
    That is true and I agree 100% but I didn't learn of revisions until days later. They already want to retain my services for the next project. What I did was rewrite an ebook. I'm concerned that if I make the changes... that I won't get the balance since they've delayed in even getting me the revision information.
     
    Writingcreations, Apr 9, 2008 IP
  4. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #4
    Do the revisions for free, but only after the balance is paid. My general rule if they don't pay all up front (most of my clients do now) is that the balance is due upon receipt of the original draft. I can't imagine why you'd charge extra for basic revisions to your work... I only see a need for that personally if the client comes back wanting something very different from what they originally detailed to you.
     
    jhmattern, Apr 9, 2008 IP
  5. infofreek

    infofreek Peon

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    #5
    Hi Writingcreations,
    One more thing you can do for your next project (as you have mentioned they want you to continue), ask them to deposit the total fund in the www (dot) escrow (dot) com
    I am not a member, neither an owner of this site; but it really helped me to clear out things earlier. At least, they can not run away with your hard earned money.
     
    infofreek, Apr 9, 2008 IP
  6. bon300187

    bon300187 Peon

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    #6
    I agree with the comments here - I never do any work unless it's for a regular client without getting the whole payment upfront.

    I've been lucky enough to build a solid reputation here so people have no queries when I ask them to send $X for the project.
     
    bon300187, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  7. Writingcreations

    Writingcreations Peon

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    #7

    Thanks! I wouldn't charge extra for the revisions and that could be where the confusion lies. I am going to contact them and let them know this. They stated that they only needed minor revisions, and were very pleased with the outcome. My worry is that they have been unresponsive to the emails I sent, even stating that I would be happy to do the revisions once I received the balance.

    To date no one has had issue with my requirement of a deposit and most clients are very quick to pay. I am just not sure what to do with them at this point. The balance is under $50 but still...

    I will have to look into this site as I have a potential new client who doesn't think they can send me payments through paypal; they are in Dubai, but I am fairly sure that they can do a credit card payment to paypal without having a paypal account (and I can accept them as I have the premier account).
     
    Writingcreations, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  8. jedediahd

    jedediahd Active Member

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    #8
    It is threads like this that make me want to start requiring payment up front!
     
    jedediahd, Apr 10, 2008 IP
  9. Eprofit

    Eprofit Peon

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    #9
    I don't know why anyone would write anything without getting payment up front. I would install a policy that requires payment up front for new customers or customers that have had you work on less than 3 projects. Chances are that if you write for some one 3 times and get paid they will probably be good for payment. Just my thought! If I was a client I would understand this type of a policy and would not begrudge you some protection.
     
    Eprofit, Apr 11, 2008 IP
  10. infofreek

    infofreek Peon

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    #10
    One can always make a payment through credit cards via paypal.
     
    infofreek, Apr 13, 2008 IP
  11. pablopabla

    pablopabla Active Member

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    #11
    I was suckered once into submitting an article without asking for upfront payment (even a deposit). I stopped writing for them since.
     
    pablopabla, Apr 13, 2008 IP
  12. Western

    Western Well-Known Member

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    #12
    take it easy ,spend the time you thinking of that money one something else
    make some money instead , you can tell them it was the last time you trusted them
     
    Western, Apr 13, 2008 IP
  13. Shubi

    Shubi Guest

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    #13
    Its ok to do the basic revisions. If they want too many changes, ask them to clear the balance amount first and also pay for the extra work that u r gonna put in. Be unyielding... u r on the right side!
     
    Shubi, Apr 13, 2008 IP