The Digital Video Information Network - View Single Post - Payment way overdue

Bill Davis · July 25th, 2008, 11:25 PM

Jack,

Often in cases like these, the problem is that right now it's more painful for them to pay you - then to dodge you. So you need to reverse this fact - legally and properly.

Back in my early days this happened to me exactly three times.

What I learned was that it's REALLY easy for anyone to dodge calls, emails and even paper mail. Practically painless, in fact.

What is HUGELY uncomfortable for someone trying to dodge a bill is to have to do that when dealing with a LIVE HUMAN BEING.

What I did was simple dress respectably, and show up at their physical offices. I'd tell the receptionist who I was there to see (or just tell her you want to speak with someone who's responsible for accounts payable) then plop down in a seat in the lobby and make it clear that I was going NOWHERE until I talked to a live human being.

Out of three instances I can recall, I walked away with a check for the entire amount in two cases, (including one where I had to fly from Phoenix to San Diego for the collection call - THAT surprised them HUGELY - but the flight was cheap and I figured I'd invest the $60 round trip airfare and a day of time to collect the $1500 or so - and it worked!) - and in the other (local firm) I was told that they'd send me a check the following week - whereupon I informed them the one week delay was fine, but that I'd be back to pick up the check at 9am on the day in question, and would again, happily wait ALL DAY in their lobby until I could pick up my check. (It was waiting when I arrived)

My advice. Forget the phone, the mail, and the courts unless they clearly state they aren't going to pay you. SHOW UP WHERE THEY WORK. And let them know that they need to deal with you if they don't want a guy spending hours in their lobby with an unresolved business problem.

I think it's important not to go in with attitude or hostility. Simply with the clear understanding that you've done work for them and you need to be paid. Period. Threatening or hassling is a BAD idea. If they push back, rationally tell them that this is a simple business debt and show them evidence of the work you've done for them and make it CRYSTAL CLEAR that you expect to be paid. And paid promptly. If they come up with justifications or evasions, just hold firm to the line that these are none of your problems. That the person who commissioned the work was THEIR employee and you did the work, as ordered, and you're expecting payment. Period.

Nine times out of ten that will do the trick.

The exception would be if they can honestly argue that the person commissioning the work didn't have the authority to bind the company to the deal. Then you have to look to your friend for relief and figure it's the partial cost of a business education.

Good luck.

July 25th, 2008, 11:25 PM	#7
Bill Davis Major Player Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 741	Jack, Often in cases like these, the problem is that right now it's more painful for them to pay you - then to dodge you. So you need to reverse this fact - legally and properly. Back in my early days this happened to me exactly three times. What I learned was that it's REALLY easy for anyone to dodge calls, emails and even paper mail. Practically painless, in fact. What is HUGELY uncomfortable for someone trying to dodge a bill is to have to do that when dealing with a LIVE HUMAN BEING. What I did was simple dress respectably, and show up at their physical offices. I'd tell the receptionist who I was there to see (or just tell her you want to speak with someone who's responsible for accounts payable) then plop down in a seat in the lobby and make it clear that I was going NOWHERE until I talked to a live human being. Out of three instances I can recall, I walked away with a check for the entire amount in two cases, (including one where I had to fly from Phoenix to San Diego for the collection call - THAT surprised them HUGELY - but the flight was cheap and I figured I'd invest the $60 round trip airfare and a day of time to collect the $1500 or so - and it worked!) - and in the other (local firm) I was told that they'd send me a check the following week - whereupon I informed them the one week delay was fine, but that I'd be back to pick up the check at 9am on the day in question, and would again, happily wait ALL DAY in their lobby until I could pick up my check. (It was waiting when I arrived) My advice. Forget the phone, the mail, and the courts unless they clearly state they aren't going to pay you. SHOW UP WHERE THEY WORK. And let them know that they need to deal with you if they don't want a guy spending hours in their lobby with an unresolved business problem. I think it's important not to go in with attitude or hostility. Simply with the clear understanding that you've done work for them and you need to be paid. Period. Threatening or hassling is a BAD idea. If they push back, rationally tell them that this is a simple business debt and show them evidence of the work you've done for them and make it CRYSTAL CLEAR that you expect to be paid. And paid promptly. If they come up with justifications or evasions, just hold firm to the line that these are none of your problems. That the person who commissioned the work was THEIR employee and you did the work, as ordered, and you're expecting payment. Period. Nine times out of ten that will do the trick. The exception would be if they can honestly argue that the person commissioning the work didn't have the authority to bind the company to the deal. Then you have to look to your friend for relief and figure it's the partial cost of a business education. Good luck.