Last night I was explaining to a non-writing friend how I’ve learned over the years to implant a healthy dose of doubt and more than a little moxie into dealings with new clients. As she gasped and muttered “Oh dear” as I mentioned casually that even new clients are thought of in terms of how airtight their contracts are and what my recourse is if they attempt to avoid payment, I realized just how far down Skepticism Street I’ve traveled. I want to trust ’em all, yet I trust none of them. If I do, I’m dumber than a post.
It’s part of that thick skin we must develop in order to survive. Jennifer at CatalystBlogger posted about this thick skin recently, and I have to agree. Survival requires not only a thick skin for warding off the nonsense, but also skepticism in your dealings.
I’m sitting here working my tail off on a big project for a new client. I’m seeing the work nearing a close and I’m wondering if the check will come at all. See, it’s a new client. I want to trust this company. Really I do. But didn’t I go digging through that contract looking for key phrases that, if present, could have made working conditions impossible and payment even harder? Actually, I did that before I signed it. Momma didn’t raise a complete fool. And I got a partial payment up front. Again, not a complete fool here.
I remember leaving church on Sunday waaaaay back when I frequented church. It was Palm Sunday and the congregation was recreating the walk Jesus took, only instead of over palm leaves and on to immortality, we walked from the parking lot back to our pews. But as we left, the priest said, “Ladies, take your handbags. Remember, this is a Catholic church.” While we laughed, the message was clear – trust in God, but lock your car. Don’t leave it to fate unless you’re willing to accept the results.
That’s how to approach any client you’ve never worked with. Pore over that contract. Learn the phrases that could have you writing until you’re six feet under without payment. Find those clauses that could alter your payment, such as deductions for missing deadlines, even if you and your client agreed on an extension. Don’t trust a single item to chance unless you’re a gambler and you like living on the edge of that particular hell.
good post
Lori, well said. I like the analogy of watching your purse while in church — God gave us brains to use, not put them on ice.
I’m also working for a new client and haven’t received payment yet for work. Although I am a bit nervous about our new relatioship, if I don’t get paid I can pitch the project elsewhere.
Still, it would be a nice idea if people followed through with what they said. Then again, this ain’t heaven!
Regards,
Matt Keegan
http://www.thearticlewriter.com/blog
And sometimes, even with a good contract, you still have to chase down payments.
Problem Client still hasn’t paid, and I’m chasing down article payments from October and August from two other publications.
Needless to say, I won’t work for them again. And I WILL get my payments!
I totally agree, Lori. While I really have been very lucky so far (knock on wood) and have never had a client out-and-out cheat me (except once for about $25), I completely understand how vulnerable we all are to that sort of thing–especially when most of your dealings with the client are online. It’s absolutely crucial to be skeptical, read over those contracts carefully, and never do any work without a 50% deposit unless you’re working with a long-time, trusted client–and some writers would recommend not doing it even then.
Matt, it would be nice. 🙂 I too can sell this elsewhere, and I will should it come to that.
Devon, I cannot believe they’re still giving you a hassle. Where do these people come from? Where is the sense of ethics?
Uh yeah, I’ve not the alligator skin, with bullet-proofing underneath. ;o)
GOT, not “not,” but you get the idea.