If the client doesn't pay...

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008, 15:17 (GMT) Post subject:

Some good suggestions up there. You may need to craft a letter or email to accompany the invoice reminder next time.

I like to pretend I'm their mother. I let them know I understand there may be circumstances beyond their control...or perhaps the initial invoice was simply misplaced, but that I'm surprised and a little disappointed. Don't you want to clear this up? Then you won't have to worry about it anymore dear. Oh, and subsequent work will be 50% down and C.O.D. Be sure to wear your coat, dear.... Laughing

Not those words, but that tone.

I've had some really hard cases in days past and there has been one guy I can think of who simply never paid. I finally sent him a letter that opened with: "I have now carried your outstanding debt to me longer than your mother carried you in her womb. I will be issuing a press release this afternoon to all local media and your clients about your penchant for stiffing single moms. I will recieve thousands of dollars of pleasure from doing so, due to your loathing to pay even one for use of my voice."

Back in the days when things were really thin and I was getting back on my feet after a divorce this guy went months not paying me a measly $80 for a short character spec thing. No amount of calling, writing or emailing got results. So I called the company's receptionist, made sure he was going to be in for the day, and went down with my toddler and sat in the hall outside his office door, prepared to stay all afternoon. All his bosses and underlings and all the company's clients had to step over me and around my toddler. (I took a book and let the baby run up and down the hall squealing) I walked out with a check for $125 in less than 2 hours.

I wish I could say these guys never wanted to hire me again. But I turned them both down multiple times afterward. Wierd.

Bob Bair · **Voice Talent** Joined: 06 Oct 2003 Posts: 274

I was glad to see this topic. I'm at that point right now with a client that hasn't paid since Mid-January. I've sent 2 reminders now by email, no replies.

Too bad we all can't have "Client #9", he paid in cash right away.

Tom Pagnotti · **Voice Talent** Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 220

Allison Scussel · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 928

Unfortunately, there are clients who have a 60-90 day payment schedule after receiving an invoice. Since the original invoice was submitted in January, the client may begin to process their billing at the end of the month. Then you have to wait 60-90 days from there. Receiving your payment at the end of March or the end of April might be the norm for this particular client.

I did some "stringer" work in January and just got paid today. The bigger the client, the longer it can take to receive your earnings. Keep the communication open, honest, and friendly. Don't assume the worst just yet. I'm sure you'll get paid soon. If not, we'll just have to go beat someone up. knüppeln

~Allison~