Ok, let me set the stage-
Every job we do has a payment schedule. We work so hard to do our part all the client has to do is pay us as agreed.
We never ask for money that is not due.
(I ‘ll derail a sec to say I see all the internet advice about not paying contractors until they are done- that is for dealing with bottomfeeders typically and does not apply to the real world of contract work. At all. This thread shows what happens if you employ that).
So she is really over a week overdue but we were relaxed and invoiced her as the next and final step was about start- finishing the cabinet door installation.
She balked. Big time.
Stated she would not pay until we met other unrelated requirements. She has shown “control issues” with me before and it insults me. We got this mam.
No deal.
I really endeavored to reason with her, knowing well what I have coming and more I’ll add after this paragraph- but to know avail.
Now, bear in mind i’m trying to help her despite herself.
Why? Because I got an email yesterday at 4 pm:
“Mr. G, we have an order to incarcerate Joe Cabinet Finisher and we plan to execute that......”
No joke. Cops gonna get my deadbeat dad cabinet finisher this week.
So, after much back and forth here is how it fell out - text copy to follow:
Sadly we were about to wrap up the entire job this week. She actually stated she would rather wait than pay.
She stated waiting is fine if not paying creates a wait -
My response:
It will be a good option- only if you pay Monday. Otherwise you will be continue to be in breach of contract and we prefer to terminate the agreement in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
I just made a commitment to another customer for Jamie this week since you have refused to pay what is due.
If you pay the scheduled amount due this Monday April 7, we will get back to install the doors in April or May, at the earliest. Also I’m going to say at this point if you choose to do this we will contact you when we are ready.
If you do not make the payment this monday, We will deliver the doors and drawers to you at the stage of completion they are in and document everything in email to you and our attorney and begin the process of terminating the contract.
We always take the advance step of notifying the Better Business Bureau so they’re not confused as to why this occurred.
Thank you have a good weekend.
Benny will look to hear from you Monday and if we don’t, we understand what to do.
—————————————-
Now she has to pay monday AND wait 2 months because she got bumped to the back of the line or ....she gets a load of parts, and email and she is on her on-
I will even set up the contract termination framework where her attorney has to take the lead as not to incur any legal cost on my apart.
Why would I be so staunch on this ?
Is it a matter of principle? No! It is a matter of money. In money matters, money matters.
I have to protect my integrity and reputation with my suppliers, with all other clients and make sure my employees’ checks clear the bank.
As I typed this this text came through-
Guys, I hate to yank someones’ chain so hard but I sure will.
In a heartbeat.
What she was signaling was she did not trust me and my people did not deserve to be paid. That was the message. Same lady we did an incredible master bath remodel and built in a few years back.
But Andy, you lost a client. No, we lost someone who does not get to be a client. Now we can better serve those who do.
Part of success is doing less of what you don't need to be doing.
Stay strong my friends. Be fair, stand your ground and fight the good fight.
Every job we do has a payment schedule. We work so hard to do our part all the client has to do is pay us as agreed.
We never ask for money that is not due.
(I ‘ll derail a sec to say I see all the internet advice about not paying contractors until they are done- that is for dealing with bottomfeeders typically and does not apply to the real world of contract work. At all. This thread shows what happens if you employ that).
So she is really over a week overdue but we were relaxed and invoiced her as the next and final step was about start- finishing the cabinet door installation.
She balked. Big time.
Stated she would not pay until we met other unrelated requirements. She has shown “control issues” with me before and it insults me. We got this mam.
No deal.
I really endeavored to reason with her, knowing well what I have coming and more I’ll add after this paragraph- but to know avail.
Now, bear in mind i’m trying to help her despite herself.
Why? Because I got an email yesterday at 4 pm:
“Mr. G, we have an order to incarcerate Joe Cabinet Finisher and we plan to execute that......”
No joke. Cops gonna get my deadbeat dad cabinet finisher this week.
So, after much back and forth here is how it fell out - text copy to follow:
Sadly we were about to wrap up the entire job this week. She actually stated she would rather wait than pay.
She stated waiting is fine if not paying creates a wait -
My response:
It will be a good option- only if you pay Monday. Otherwise you will be continue to be in breach of contract and we prefer to terminate the agreement in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
I just made a commitment to another customer for Jamie this week since you have refused to pay what is due.
If you pay the scheduled amount due this Monday April 7, we will get back to install the doors in April or May, at the earliest. Also I’m going to say at this point if you choose to do this we will contact you when we are ready.
If you do not make the payment this monday, We will deliver the doors and drawers to you at the stage of completion they are in and document everything in email to you and our attorney and begin the process of terminating the contract.
We always take the advance step of notifying the Better Business Bureau so they’re not confused as to why this occurred.
Thank you have a good weekend.
Benny will look to hear from you Monday and if we don’t, we understand what to do.
—————————————-
Now she has to pay monday AND wait 2 months because she got bumped to the back of the line or ....she gets a load of parts, and email and she is on her on-
I will even set up the contract termination framework where her attorney has to take the lead as not to incur any legal cost on my apart.
Why would I be so staunch on this ?
Is it a matter of principle? No! It is a matter of money. In money matters, money matters.
I have to protect my integrity and reputation with my suppliers, with all other clients and make sure my employees’ checks clear the bank.
As I typed this this text came through-
Guys, I hate to yank someones’ chain so hard but I sure will.
In a heartbeat.
What she was signaling was she did not trust me and my people did not deserve to be paid. That was the message. Same lady we did an incredible master bath remodel and built in a few years back.
But Andy, you lost a client. No, we lost someone who does not get to be a client. Now we can better serve those who do.
Part of success is doing less of what you don't need to be doing.
Stay strong my friends. Be fair, stand your ground and fight the good fight.
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