Hi:

I think you are correct and I was leaning toward this interpretation. Thank you very much for taking the time to send me the e-mail. There is so much to learn and it is all very important.

Thank you again,

Penelope

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Penelope Myer
Penelope and Partners

I have different options with clients. I have pay as you go, prepay and project rates. I think they are self explanatory.

With pay as you go they pay as the service is carried out, this is also the most expensive option.

With prepay they pay for x amount of hours ahead of time

For project rates we set up a payment plan and it depends on the project how its paid. Sometimes its in 3 segments for larger projects or smaller ones in 2. Split evenly across the board. Projects for my company tend to be anything doing with web development or the like.

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Amanda Mock
My Virtual Little Helper

*sigh* I'm dealing with this right now...

A client signed an agreement that included that full payment is necessary before work is started - in this case a 5 hour retainer. So this isn't big money but it's still money.

He wants to use a check...haven't received it yet...but he wants me to do the work. I'm not doing it! So annoying.

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

I have a contract that I ask each new client to sign (even those from freelance sites). I haven't had anyone argue about it yet. Essentially, it protects both of us.

My contract reads 50% upfront and 50% upon completion. Like everyone else, if it is a retainer the funds are due at the first of the month. If funds are not received by the 5th I don't do any additional work.

Once I have been working with a client and established a relationship then I may forgo the 50% upfront but they have to prove that they will pay me before that is a consideration.

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Amy
TAG Virtual Office, LLC

Absolutely- projects are paid for as they are completed. Retainer hours can be handled differently however since we are partners and our work is valuable to the companies we assist- they should be happy to pay us and on time.

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Originally Posted by joywilder

*sigh* I'm dealing with this right now... A client signed an agreement that included that full payment is necessary before work is started - in this case a 5 hour retainer. So this isn't big money but it's still money. He wants to use a check...haven't received it yet...but he wants me to do the work. I'm not doing it! So annoying.

Yes, stick to your "guns" on this no matter how much they push. I have been burned before and learned the hard way. It is very annoying when they try to take advantage of you.

Thanks VAKat!

I received the check and when it cleared then I started the work. I explained to him that since he received my special retainer rate I have to be paid *before* the work is started. He was nice about it but still wanted me to start LOL

I'm looking at this as a learning experience that will help me stand up to the client who refuses to pay

Always learning,
Joy

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Joy Wilder
Wilder Office Approach

A portion of the total amount in good faith would be a good idea. I think if they are not willing to do that, probably they have the ability on skipping out.

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Christine Thomas -"It's that Simple"
Assistants Made Simple