Wow, Michael, tact and diplomacy go a long way, especially with a new client... IMHO, you badically hit him between the eyes, and allowed him to feel you may not trust him. It is the, "but not until we get the signed contract.", part of the eMail I think may have caused the friction. Tome it sounds like, "Damn it, Gil, first you have to sign the contract, then we will invoice you. But nothing happens until after you sign the contract, otherwise I do not know if I can rely on you to see this deal through..."
About this time I would be calling the client, and advising the eMail's tone likely was too terse, and not reflective of what you meant. What you meant to say (I hope) is, "Normally I like to get a contract signed with a client. Only after the contract is signed will I be invoicing you for any fees. I do this to help reduce the potential for misunderstandings." Big difference in approach, and potential for misunderstandings in perception by the client. Just my 2 cents, my friend. Gil > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Michael J. Babcock, > MCP > Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 11:10 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: [NF] Business basics question -- invoice before signed > contract? > > > Got a potential buyer for FabMate who wants me to invoice him...but he > hasn't yet signed the contract. I sent a simple email with this message > yesterday to him: > > ------------------------ > Good morning, Walter! > > Once you return the signed contract, we will then invoice you...but not > until we get the signed contract. > > Thanks! > --Michael > ------------------------- > > I learn today that he's upset and wonders why he has to sign and return > the contract first. To me, that's just the natural order of the business > transaction. Am I wrong? > > btw -- this guy has been dicking around for a year...telling us "oh yeah, > we're buying it..." I've grown tired of dealing with him, so this was > basically my way of saying "if you're serious, sign and return the > contract and then I'll continue this transaction with you." > > Your thoughts? > > tia, > --Michael > > > > > [excessive quoting removed by server] _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech Searchable Archive: http://leafe.com/archives/search/profox This message: http://leafe.com/archives/byMID/profox/[EMAIL PROTECTED] ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
