On Dec 3, 2007, at 1:28 PM, Paul McNett wrote: >> I have heard some use base rate + a persentage to be added for >> late payment > > I don't do work until I'm paid in advance. It solves the problem > rather > nicely, although I'm sure I lose out on some jobs with that policy.
I do a middle ground: I charge a retainer, then work it off and do billing. When the first "positive" bill goes out, if I have any doubts, I'll work on other stuff waiting for payment. How much for a retainer? That is the art. For a small project, half to all of it. Bigger project? Enough to show that they are serious. This has mostly worked: a recent client paid a big retainer ($1,000's), paid well for a while, then slowly drifted away. They paid me a lot and have almost nothing to show for it (I don't think I gave them source code, yet). I didn't get all of the dough, but I got ~90%. (Yes, I have called, they just keep insisting that they are happy with what I have done and that they are "on track" whatever the heck *that* means...) My invoices all say that I can charge a late fee. I honestly can't remember if I have assessed any. A better approach that many take is to give the customer a deduction if it pays by such-and-such date. If I ever get really busy again, I think I'll go down that road. Ken _______________________________________________ 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.
