Invoice Issue (did I overstep?)

[Aaron Cadieux]

Before I get jumped on for a spelling error, I know it’s “instituted”, not “instituded”. I was typing in a rush.

[Scott Carnegie]

Every project you do should have a contract or some type of payment schedule in writing. At minimum I will provide a quote/proposal for people with delverables and payment schedules that they will agree to via e-mail, some clients want a more formal contract. Have something.

http://www.MediaCircus.TV
Media Production Services
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

[Andrew Rendell]

I have a template that I use as a confirmation document which has such things as client contact, working address, invoicing address, and so on (basically so that I don’t forget to get all the information that I need) and on the bottom I have a bunch of T&Cs – minimum call time, cancellation fees and so on. That way no one can claim that I sprung something on them that they hadn’t been informed of at the start.

[Michael Hancock]

Aaron –

If he doesn’t sign the contract he pays on delivery. It’s not a matter of trust, it’s a matter of business.

Watch this (WARNING: Language may be offensive to some – proceed with caution):

https://vimeo.com/22053820

—————-
Michael Hancock
Editor

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[Aaron Cadieux]

Michael,

I didn’t think I was being unreasonable. I was just making sure that this wasn’t an unheard of practice. Thanks for your response.

-Aaron

[Mike Smith]

Your approach sounds fine. I’m sure you present it with charm, not sullenness or aggression. That client response feels like a warning flag.

[Aaron Cadieux]

Mike,

I simply said “attached you will find blah blah blah . . . Please fill it out, scan and re-attach”. It was very professional, polite and matter-of-fact.

It makes me nervous that they are so opposed to the contract. To me, that’s basically their way of saying “yeah, we’ll never be able to pay you in the time you require”.

Thanks,

Aaron

[Gary Hazen]

From my experience, net 30 is standard practice in the industry.
That’s not to say you can’t do whatever you want to do, it’s your business.

[Walter Soyka]

Is the problem the contract itself, or the terms?

[Aaron Cadieux] “He then lectured me about “how the business works” and what the usual wait-time is for vendor payments.”

Everyone tries to bend to cash flow to their advantage. You’re asking for net 14, but I have only one client who regularly pays this fast. I generally specify net 30, but some clients only pay net 45 or even net 60. Most of my clients are agencies or institutions with vendor management policies, and it’s far, far easier to work within their requirements than it is to try to get them to meet mine.

Walter Soyka
Principal & Designer at Keen Live
Motion Graphics, Widescreen Events, Presentation Design, and Consulting
RenderBreak Blog – What I’m thinking when my workstation’s thinking
Creative Cow Forum Host: Live & Stage Events

[Mick Haensler]

[Gary Hazen] “From my experience, net 30 is standard practice in the industry”

It was until a lot and I mean a lot of people started getting screwed. I just instituted this same policy for new clients only and haven’t had a problem. As a matter of fact, two of my new clients paid me in full right after the initial shoot.

For my steady on time paying clients, it’s business as usual, net 15 or net 30 depending on our agreement.

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media