I guess we all learn this lesson. A friend once said to me "A customer is someone who pays his bills'
Victor -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jim Schmitt Sent: Tuesday, 29 July 2003 3:51 AM To: RBASE-L Mailing List Subject: [RBASE-L] - Salem, Ohio Warning Good Day to all: I just wanted to share a thought with you, giving you warning about a firm in Salem, Ohio. If you are a RB developer, and receive a call from a company in Salem, Ohio (using R:Base), please give me a call to see if they are the firm that recently 'burnt' me for almost $4,000.00. My friend, Glenn Sippola, warned me two years ago about this account, and how they were extremely slow paying. But, I thought how could this be, I had recently met with the president, and the employees, and they were soooooooo nice, and needed my help. Sorry, Glenn, I didn't take your word more seriously. Two and one half years ago, they seemed like such a nice firm, and we agreed to do business on a handshake (even though I normally have all new clients sign a contract). I thought, these people are so nice that we don't even need a contract. We started off great, but the ending is yet to be determined. Their staff is so nice, and so easy to work with. I even made mods as recent as three months ago when they were in trouble, went the database went down, and the girls called and said they needed help immediately. The controller said they were sorry for not paying the bills sooner (haven't paid a dime in the last year and a half) but that they would pay in full over the next two months, if only I would help them in this time of need. Not wanting to see anyone with their system 'down', and after the pleading from the controller and staff, and after they agreed to pay the invoices, I said YES, I would fix the problem. In two days, I had them up and running again. Now, it is three months later, and they have not paid one dime. After 24 years, this is the first time this has happened. Maybe it's a sign of the times. So, my message is two-fold: 1. Don't agree to do work without a contract. No matter how nice they seem.......you could get burnt. 2. Don't do any RB work for M_____-H_________, Inc. from Salem, Ohio. Hope this helps someone else understand why we need to get the contracts signed. Get it signed to protect yourself. Don't let what happened to me, happen to you. My only hope is that if their system goes down again, and they need help, they will have to pay all current invoices before I do any additional work. IF they ever get my invoices paid, they will be on a PRE-PAID BASIS with me. COVER THE BASES!!!! AND PLEASE BE FOREWARNED.! Jim ======================================== Jim Schmitt Ohio Software Services 2211 Lake Club Drive Columbus, Oh 43232 Phone 1-614-863-1850 Fax 1-614-863-0325 E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] ========================================
