Chasing up payments

#1 ondi

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Posted 11 October 2011 - 03:47 PM

In the last few weeks I have completed some websites, and as soon as they're done, the client has done a disappearing act. In some cases they've gone and created free websites with Moonfruit and the like (urgh).

The only thing close to an agreement I have is email conversations. Does this give me a leg to stand on in a legal sense?

I've been designing sites for years, but I've only recently started putting a bit of effort into making a living out of it, so I'm still a bit of a novice in the business side of things.

I would like to know how others work. Do you ask for payment up front, or half at the start and half at the end? Or simply everything once the project is completed.

Do you make your clients sign some kind of agreement before work starts?

Any help is appreciated.

#2 MikeChipshop

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Posted 11 October 2011 - 03:49 PM

NEVER do any work without a deposit and a signed contract and agreement. End of thread.

#3 smoothonline

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Posted 11 October 2011 - 05:16 PM

+1

Personally, I ask for 50% upfront, 30% of which is non refundable after 7 working days even if no work has taken place. Then if work has taken place I charge my hourly rate.

I have a contract in place, too.

If you are selling via the internet you need to follow the long distance selling rules.... trying googling what they are. There is always a cooling off period, normally 7 days, if the person has continued to lead you to believe they want you to do the work and you have it written down by them that they will pay you- then in theory they have to pay you.

Getting the money on the other hand, good luck with that,

#4 rallport

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Posted 11 October 2011 - 06:54 PM

smoothonline, on 11 October 2011 - 05:16 PM, said:

Getting the money on the other hand, good luck with that,

I don't know. Some bigger clients are happy to pay upfront on bigger projects.

I'm always instantly warey of people who make it really difficult when you ask for a deposit. Personally, it says to me they're not serious about the project. In fact, it serves as good indicator