Hi Jim, Just read your problems with collecting. I had this problem in the early 90s with some of my customers. I solved it by doing the following:
I added a small codelocked routine to the code that caused the whole system to not run past a set date. The customers did not know how it worked or where it was. And since the applications was a financial ones, the correct date from the computer date for all entries was necessary. Also my contract with them contained a clause saying the software quit working when payments were overdue and would be corrected the same day the payment was credited to my bank. For those not paying, I would get a call the day they found the system not working. I always got promptly paid AND I updated their system to make it continue to work. I rarely had to have this happen twice to the same company. B H Hix [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [Original Message] > From: Jim Schmitt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED] (RBASE-L Mailing List)> > Date: 7/28/03 12:54:44 PM > 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] > ========================================
