I dont blame you for being pissed. I think that attitude though is endemic to a lot of 'service' industries. We cop the same too in some regards, want the world for fuck all recompense.
I just think, they wouldnt go into coles and say well hey i will pay you X for my weekly shopping. See how far that gets them.
It's a poor mentality when people assume they can negotiate with everybody. It's true what you say, if it was a plumber, they wouldn't haggle. Let alone actually blackmail them into reducing their charge.
I've known you for a while Lynda and I also know you work hard and clients should appreciate that. I'm sorry to read this and I hope you get that 30% down to 0% soon. :)
I’m sure you’ve already considered this, but maybe you could offer them a payment plan? Pay as much as they can up-front, then the rest in installments? If they defaulted on their payments, you might even be able to enlist the services of a debt collection agency?
That’s horrible that you get ripped of to that extent!! Well, to any extent really - but 30% is just unfair! *hugs*
Perhaps at the outset you could give them a printed copy of your schedule of fees (hourly rate for this, appearance rate for that, copying charges, phone calls etc.)
Then follow up with a weekly breakdown of your work on their case that offers a running total - that way, they might not be so shocked at the end? They could also take the opportunity to pay as they go (not sure how feasible that last bit would be but I'm thinking out loud here!)
It might mean extra work for you (and I do envisage a sharp increase in phone calls/disputes but at least it is all in writing from your end) but I'm sure you could set up a regular reporting system that would be become second nature after a little while.
As shisome said - you work damn hard and keep ridiculous hours .. and you should bloody well be paid for that effort, win or lose *frowns and stomps around going grrrr*
Comments 4
I just think, they wouldnt go into coles and say well hey i will pay you X for my weekly shopping. See how far that gets them.
*offers champagne and chocolate*
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I've known you for a while Lynda and I also know you work hard and clients should appreciate that. I'm sorry to read this and I hope you get that 30% down to 0% soon. :)
Reply
I’m sure you’ve already considered this, but maybe you could offer them a payment plan? Pay as much as they can up-front, then the rest in installments? If they defaulted on their payments, you might even be able to enlist the services of a debt collection agency?
That’s horrible that you get ripped of to that extent!! Well, to any extent really - but 30% is just unfair! *hugs*
Reply
Then follow up with a weekly breakdown of your work on their case that offers a running total - that way, they might not be so shocked at the end? They could also take the opportunity to pay as they go (not sure how feasible that last bit would be but I'm thinking out loud here!)
It might mean extra work for you (and I do envisage a sharp increase in phone calls/disputes but at least it is all in writing from your end) but I'm sure you could set up a regular reporting system that would be become second nature after a little while.
As shisome said - you work damn hard and keep ridiculous hours .. and you should bloody well be paid for that effort, win or lose *frowns and stomps around going grrrr*
Reply
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