Changing my business model from pay before service, instead of pay after service. I am growing tired of chasing down clients who don't pay. I have a couple thousand $$ in unpaid invoices, several of which are active companies on this board whom I see post every day, yet ignore me. Seems to be a common trend now, not paying that is. One client is coming up on 3 months non-payment, where previously they paid within payment terms.

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Anyone else see the same happening?

Your very trusting to people you never see or know. An admiral quality, but the internet is full of scammers and con artists.

I'm just starting out and will be very strict with my TOS and AUP. I'm a very honest and trusting person, but I also like to be paid for services rendered.

Good luck, (and carry a big stick!).

Your very trusting to people you never see or know. An admiral quality, but the internet is full of scammers and con artists.

I'm just starting out and will be very strict with my TOS and AUP. I'm a very honest and trusting person, but I also like to be paid for services rendered.

Good luck, (and carry a big stick!).

I pretty much operated the same way since 2003. Can't do it anymore. I have my own bills to pay which aren't getting paid.

You're back in action Steven?

Been calling and sending you emails for 6 months, what's the word?

I would never do that. Payment up front all the way for me!

I need to say,I have not that courage indeed.I am still worrying about how to fully get away from chargebacks.

you're brave...I don't think I could trust anyone to give them service before payment - too risky, could get spammers, scammers, phishers, etc. and they'll all most likely end up not paying invoices.

and thousands of dollars in unpaid invoices is crazy - hopefully your new tactic will help you get the money you deserve.

I can't imagine the point of leaving someone run 3 months past due. It's not uncommon for our accounting to sometimes run a few days behind but not months.

Larger hosts utilize collection tactics, im not sure of the success rate. We have always taken a stance to bill up front for new clients and make a judgment on pre-existing clients per-case.

You sound like you were a good company to do some business with, for free:)

In this business your bound to get burned, i'd rather have it happen with an invoice then with a chargeback.

Doing it for years. Prior to 2009. I've never been burned by people initially not paying. There was a host 'NullHost' who charged back 900 dollars right before they went belly up. Normally people don't have a problem paying. This year is the only year I have run into this nuisance.

We may be in different industries, but I always take 100% payment up front for logo design and 50% upfront for websites. Got burnt once and never going back to chasing people down again - it's not in my nature to have to ask, I hate doing it.

oh btw, just noticed your site layout is the same as mine but modified differently :) OSD all the way! :)

oh btw, just noticed your site layout is the same as mine but modified differently :) OSD all the way! :)

Meh. new site coming.

Changing my business model from pay before service, instead of pay after service. I am growing tired of chasing down clients who don't pay. I have a couple thousand $$ in unpaid invoices, several of which are active companies on this board whom I see post every day, yet ignore me. Seems to be a common trend now, not paying that is. One client is coming up on 3 months non-payment, where previously they paid within payment terms.

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Anyone else see the same happening?

You think that's bad?

It's the name of the game(and partially my fault for being so lax on my billing department). Still working on that lol...

It really does not surprise me that it you're needing to do that now. We're doing hosting but the number of delinquent accounts has really gone up for us. We have people who will only pay when their service gets cut off. We have others who just get that free extra service then jump.

People really try to take advantage of you if you're lenient at all now.

It really does not surprise me that it you're needing to do that now. We're doing hosting but the number of delinquent accounts has really gone up for us. We have people who will only pay when their service gets cut off. We have others who just get that free extra service then jump.

People really try to take advantage of you if you're lenient at all now.

That pretty much sums it up for you.

It's always funny to me how fast people will reply when you cut them off, but completely ignore your emails about them being late on their payment.

They will email you like 'HELP! MY website is down please get it back up! Is there something wrong with my account?'

Hah...you know why you are down.

This thread has actually given me a great business idea :)

Changing my business model from pay before service, instead of pay after service. I am growing tired of chasing down clients who don't pay. I have a couple thousand $$ in unpaid invoices, several of which are active companies on this board whom I see post every day, yet ignore me. Seems to be a common trend now, not paying that is. One client is coming up on 3 months non-payment, where previously they paid within payment terms.

[/endrant]



Anyone else see the same happening?
I'm surprised you didnt do this from day 1, regardless of how trustworthy you are of people, something like this was bound to happen. Its not a matter of IF it will create a nuisance but WHEN.

I would also recommend signed contract with the price on the contract on paper for huge amounts to avoid/fight chargebacks.

Anyways, no downfall in charging BEFORE providing services, if they dont like it...tough.

I'm surprised you didnt do this from day 1, regardless of how trustworthy you are of people, something like this was bound to happen. Its not a matter of IF it will create a nuisance but WHEN.

I would also recommend signed contract with the price on the contract on paper for huge amounts to avoid/fight chargebacks.

Anyways, no downfall in charging BEFORE providing services, if they dont like it...tough.

Well, I am laying low on business right now. I've had a new site in the works for about half a year now with it there are going to be a lot of changes, including signed documents for all clients.

Make them sign a contract. Sounds like your only online, so a digital signature would work as well. A TOS or AUP, or anything of the sort means nothing compared to a contract that is signed by both parties. I sign a contract with every client of mine. I KNOW they will pay and they KNOW they will receive their services.

I think it would be good if the standard becomes that clients pay before the work is done. Too often invoices are paid late, often very late. I supporse the problem is that there are companies who will charge before hand and then not do a good job.