Do I look like a savings and loan?

[d2creative]

Ok, lets just make up some even numbers for sake of conversation.

I sent an invoice to a small commercial client for $1000.
He sends me a check for $200 and tells me he just spent a bunch of money on other business expenses so he needs to break MY invoice into several smaller pieces.

Now I've known this guy for a while, we've done other business together (non-photography related), and I don't want to piss him off. But my invoice clearly states that full payment is due within 30 days. I may need to play this one a bit differently, but what would you typically do in this type of situation? Does this happen to you occasionally? It just pisses me off, especially when I already gave this guy the deal of his life on this shoot. I know things are tight these days but to me that was disrespectful.

[zebulus]

If he dosent have the money, he shouldnt have spent it...

[oldfotopro]

He's taking advantage of your friendship.

I'd send him a copy of the invoice with a notation that you are willing to extend the terms of the payment 30days(or whatever) and after that period you will begin charging interest on the outstanding balance.

Business is business.

[ndsimm]

Originally Posted by d2creative

Now I've known this guy for a while, we've done other business together (non-photography related), and I don't want to piss him off.

and that is why he did it, because he thought he could get away with it. how many other people does he owe that he did this to? None, i bet.
did he know up front how you expected to be paid? did he mention his money issues before you did the shoot? As it has been said, business is business and I would give him maybe the additional 30 days and start charging late fees after that.

[HotHolly]

People will ask for all sorts of stuff. You never know unless you ask - that's him asking. Say you'd like to, but you can't, and reissue a new invoice for the new balance. Dont make it into a big deal and it'll be less likely to turn into one.

[w9ctm]

I'm gonna go with Holly on this one. While it is unfair of him to test the friendship, friends are friends and business is business.

[suerenee]

I would do what Holly says and reissue the invoice. I would also note that I take Visa/Mastercard (If you do) that way he can pay you off and pay his CC over payments. That might be a subtle hint.

It's a tough economy and lots of vendors are doing this sort of stuff. At my day job we've had to become a lot more aggressive with collecting receivables. I find that most of our clients respect that they have to pay their bills and find a way to do so.

[ngc_bob]

I agree with David...Net 30 or interest applies.

[texkam]

If he was a true friend he would have explained his circumstances and asked you first if he could work with you on the payment (and that still sux). Gently try to get your $ from him (+1 to Holly). If you even want to deal with him again in the future, politely explain that you need to get the $ up front, "you know, things are tight". I also wouldn't give him any more sweet deals.

[Jusselin]

i feel you on this one Dennis, we just had a client, also a friend, and she just about paid us in full for the event. We finished the DVD for her and expected the rest of what little she owed us that day ($275) she then tells us. "Thank you so much for everything, i will pay you the rest when i get paid!" She didnt even tell me when she gets paid!!! WTF!!! seriously, i should have taken the 2 dvds back and told her "When you have the money let us know!"

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by ngc_bob

I agree with David...Net 30 or interest applies.

But, FYI, you need to make sure that this is something that the client is aware of up front. You don't want to run afoul of the usury laws, so if you have any questions on how/when to tack interest on to a client's bill, make sure to talk to your business attorney about that.

[HotHolly]

It tough when that happens and leaves lots of folks in a very awkward spot.

A way to totally avoid it is to have a studio policy page. Hand it to them when they book along with the contract, put it on your website, and then stick to what is written. If its a friend, they'll understand times are tough, and you'll do what you can, but the polices are there for a reason.

If you want to see a copy of ours, let me know. It covers payments, scheduling, cancellations, etc.

[texkam]

That's correct. You can't add interest or penalties now.

[Jusselin]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

It tough when that happens and leaves lots of folks in a very awkward spot.

A way to totally avoid it is to have a studio policy page. Hand it to them when they book along with the contract, put it on your website, and then stick to what is written. If its a friend, they'll understand times are tough, and you'll do what you can, but the polices are there for a reason.

If you want to see a copy of ours, let me know. It covers payments, scheduling, cancellations, etc.

i would like to see a copy

[tukaniray]

Did you break it up in payments for him ... or just flat put the invoice down for full payment?

For me, I usually break it down. And if I do run into these kind of issues (of course happens to everyone here and other places), I have taken a post - dated check.(NO longer than 2 weeks) It's risky, but at least I will have something to hold where I know I am getting paid for the gig.

That's worked for me. Good luck getting this straighten out with out making to big of a fuss.

I do agree ... business is business.

-Ray-