The unpaying customer ... (or one that expects too much)

[skunkbad]

Today I'm dealing with a customer that doesn't feel like paying. In the past, I've programmed "self destruct" code into projects. If the customer doesn't pay, I simply erase their site from existence. I 'm just sick of dealing with these types. I did implement a policy for 1/3 deposit to start a job, but often when I think I can trust a person I let it slide.

Is it only me, or are we all dealing with this? What do you do to ensure payment?

[zumojuice]

I think we all deal with it. It is the way of business in general, even among 'mates'. I think there is almost a point where you design the design and show them on a test server and they sign off and pay, before you move it to their space. The only way to get over this is to get more work by referrals. People are less likely to short-charge you as they know they are acting on their friend's word. Not always the case, but maybe more than the people who come looking on the net.

[Acuity]

I take a non-refundable 25% deposit....

If ppl try it, i delete their site from existence because i host their stuff on my domain until i recieve 100%

Graphically, everything i send is the lowest res version i cn save normally png aswell, with a watermark all over it..

[zumojuice]

Yeah, for print low res copies or even a presentation sheet: looks professional and much harder to use the work

[Toon]

Water tight contracts are always the best way and a good lawyer

[skunkbad]

Water tight contracts are always the best way and a good lawyer

Perhaps you have a water tight contract you could share?

[Toon]

This might help

Web Design Contract

[aaronr79]

When dealing with people over the other side of the world who can easily hide from you it's always a risk. Even with the best contract in the world if they don't want to pay there's not a lot you can do.

I agree with what's been mentioned above: with web projects host them on your web server until full payment is made, with images use low res and water marks.

[SidekickWD]

I use a contract (that was shown to me here!:D) and I keep the website hosted on a test site until full payment is received. But I did have to learn the hard way.

So now, when I want my client to be able to see the progress of the site, I give him/her the addy for the test site, and I tell them "I'll make it live when everything is final, I don't like to put unfinished work out there." This satisfies most every client I've had and then I can hang onto the work until the payment has been collected.

So far (knock on wood) it's worked out very well. It seems that the client knows in the back of their head that the site wont be available to them unless they pay.

But for printed work, watermarking and low res are best. That and keeping your fingers crossed.

[CodyBane]

Never under any circumstance commence work without a deposit. Also never publish live a website that has not been paid for. You don't use gas before you pay for it, you don't eat groceries before you buy them, why would you give someone a website without payment? As for the ones that expect too much, stipulate everything in a contract. Never go outside the contract. Anything out of contract costs extra!
If you want to make it as a business, you gotta fight tooth and nail for your money. I'm not saying nickle and dime the clients, just be on them for the payments.