Forum Moderators: LifeinAsia
The 'form' results are sent to a log file on the server & emailed directly to him.
For 14 days (over 5 hours) I did test forms, monitored log files, monitored emails, and several times asked for feedback from him regarding the tests.
He never responded to my requests.
I snail mailed 3 page report of findings with invoice for $150. (Found that form results logs & emails always matched and that he was not responding to his customers)
He sent check for $100 plus a note saying "I think you are overcharging me."
Two possibilities: 1- he is a jerk and I should cut my losses or 2- without being accusatory the report did not reflect well on the person assigned to answering his mail, so he may not have actually seen or read the report.
What should I do?
Ignore what he thinks, that's between him and himself nothing to do with your invoice. Or you can inform him you don't think you are overcharging. This may get into a "Oh yes you did" - "Oh no I didn't" routine.
If he wants a breakdown of charges - fine but tell him you have to invoice him for that too.
Assuming there was no prior agreement for charges you can, if the fancy takes you, charge whatever you wish.
I also assume the "fault" was not yours.
In short he owes you $50, is the long term relationship worth more?
If it is you'll agree a price/rate before work starts in the future.
You can also recoup your $50 bit by bit over the next few invoices.
zoo
^ This one! I vote for this one!
You can also recoup your $50 bit by bit over the next few invoices.
Do you really want to work for a client that operates like this?
Personally I'd fire the client and write-off the $50 to experience.
TJ
If you really can't afford to lose him, I would be inclined to ask why he thinks you are overcharging him - this is more likely to get you a constructive response than the "I'm not", "You are" argument that was mentioned above.
If you are going to reclaim the $50 over the next few invoices, don't. Reclaim the $50 plus and extra $50 for your trouble.
Then tell yourself - if I could reclaim $100 over two or three invoices, my prices are too low! And increase all of your future invoices. To everyone.
Personally $30 an hour sounds a little low to me anyway.
You could also send the emails to the client from the website in HTML format, and add a 1x1 pixel image that triggers a script on the server, logging the time and date that the email was opened. This would then prove they were receiving the enquiries and the problem was with their staff.
I did this when I was having trouble getting a client to pay: he claimed never to receive my emails asking for money, so I simply presented him with the fact that he had opened his email at 3.47pm on 10 July 2004, and again at 9.18am the next day.* Payment was soon forthcoming!
Best of luck, but he sounds like he is not worth the bother.
*Times and dates made up. :-) I'm not anal enough to go back and check them
He sent check for $100 plus a note saying "I think you are overcharging me."
I would return with a letter asking to him to never contact me for services again. I'd also explain that I may seek the balance of the invoice in small claims court at my leisure, if not paid immediately.
Maybe even point out your late fee.
But just move on.
If he trys to contact you for more business, let him know that you're interested but very busy for the next few months with a very high paying contract. Quote a large fee upfront if he'd like to hire you.
The best revenge is living well, man.
"I have presented you a bill for $150. Now, do as your conscience dictates."
Deliver it with a benevolent smile and accept the response.
If he pays, you have established a new level of respect with this client.
If he doesn't pay, you have at least maintained your own decorum and self-respect. You have also gotten a $50 lesson in preventing this situation better in the future, and I suspect the dividends will accrue to more than the $50 "tuition" over time. Your pseudo-client however, will have this $50 niggling at him for life.
Note that if you are anything other than completely nice, he will use that as an excuse to forget it instantly. That is his game. Bring him into your game. ;)
-Automan
A client approved a quote and accepted it in writing. I did the work and invoiced accordingly. After a long wait I get an note saying that I have overcharged (despite the invoice being identical to the quote) and would I please reduce it.
I am, of course, refusing to do so. I suspect that it is a similar case to yours: there is an employee who has not done everything he was supposed to and is badmouthing me to the management. Fortunately I have documentation for the entire project and have proved that he is lying. We'll see what happens :-)
This is not something that has ever happened before with this client, and I suspect it is only happening because of this employee, who is not normally involved with projects. I've therefore simply stood firm and presented them with the facts calmly.
It occurred to me: you are basically being accused of ripping them off. If you reduce the price, you are effectively saying "yes, I was ripping you off". You are also setting a dangerous precedent for all future invoices.
I have now informed them that I will be requiring a purchase order for all future work, some payment up front and work will not be released until I have received a certain percentage of the fee. It's up to them what they do next.
He sent check for $100 plus a note saying "I think you are overcharging me."
"Thank you for the recent payment on your invoice. Attached is a receipt for the amount paid. Net balance is due in 30 days pending 10% interest compounded monthly.
"If you require other arrangements by which to resolve your invoice, please contact us to avoid interest charges."
A bit rough, but you get the idea, one would feel pretty cheap doing anything but just paying the 50 bucks, sheesh. :-D
If you haven't then remember this one great pearl of wisdom. You own the website! So take it down if he doesn't pay.
I'd send him a final notice and point out that failer to pay on time will result in a withdrawl of service. Obviosly word it nicely.
Oh yes and when you do sign a contract, be careful not to sign away your design rights. Few clients know much about the ins and outs of intellectual property so you are usually safe.
Thank You one & All!
My action has been to send a brief summary letter to 2 of his 'secret' email addresses to bypass the person assigned to head his email and possibly deleting it to cover their rears.
Be assured further bussiness with him will be paid upfront and expensive for him.
Thanks again!
jruss
In the end I have to fault myself for not being able to convincingly communicate the value provided = another lesson learned.
Thanks
jruss
