time to collect?

[Lense_Cap]

just wondering...
I do a few freelance jobs here and there... all have been prompt to pay up except for one. What do you do when the client all but refuses to pay? I did this gig back in May!! What are some of the policies out there among freelancers on collecting? What about asking for pay up front? Contracts? Anything you do to insure prompt payment upon a job well done? Thanks.

[shootcam]

Just because you are only doing a few freelance jobs here and there, as you put it, you must still treat every freelance gig as a real job. I am not here to judge you, but I must warn you, I do not know all the circumstances of your gig. Did you get half up front? You obviously should have kept the tapes until the other half was paid. However disregard this advice if you are comfortable with your regular job, and feel comfortable enough to work, give your tapes over, and have the patience of a saint. There are many ways to collect your money from the client. I suggest you talk to some of your full time freelance buddies about this. Good Luck....

[dhart]

Ah collections. It's a difficult subject and I'm afraid only understood after a few years in the business. There are all sorts of ways to try and protect yourself, but it boils down to how much you want the gig and how much you trust the client? Because all the stuff you do to try to protect yourself absent collecting the money up front or holding the tapes until paid are almost pointless. And real deadbeat clients are very unlikely to cooperative with either of those options. Learning about the warning signs of a deadbeat client is difficult because you probably really want the gig no matter what.

If you have a steady gig and only do this on the side you can afford to learn what to watch out for. After over 20 years in the business I can spot a deadbeat a mile away. Here's one trick, ask them to provide another videographer reference. If they're real deadbeats they won't be able to give you one that won't take their name in vain! The reason they're calling you (a relatively inexperienced freelancer) is because they've pissed off all the regular pros.

Good luck and welcome to the pros.

[ August 26, 2003, 09:52 AM: Message edited by: dhart ]

[Terry E. Toller]

I would send them a "DEMAND" for payment. You must make the demand at least 30 days before you can take legal action. Advise them that you will take legal action if you are not paid within 30 days of this notice.

Also, remind them that they cannot use the video until it is paid for. If they have already used it, advise them that they are in violation of your copyright without payment.

[Lense_Cap]

can you believe it??? I finally got my money!! Just when I had chalked it up to tuition for business 101 the guy calls me up and says he has my money. Better late than never. From now on, half up front and sign on the dotted line please.

[Austin Reeves]

Well I must admit, that I recieved payment myself for a job I did 4.5 months ago. I was not happy with the people, however I was friendly and patient. I did make it clear though I intended on collecting, even though the bill was not substantial. I also kind of felt bad because I found out they were "losing" their accounts payable person.

Funny, when the new person came in, I had my check in a little more than a week, following only a phone call complete with a hand written appology note for the delay. Classy of the new person I thought.

[Todio]

Check out this thread too...

http://b-roll.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000420

Lotsa help there too