What’s on the iPod: Run by Amy MacDonald
What I’m reading: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen
Had an interesting twist on a client project recently. I’d sent over an invoice for a quick-and-dirty project, but heard nothing on either the project or the invoice for a week. I sent a “Did you get this?” note, only to get back the following: “We did, but we didn’t use your work and instead did the work internally because of tight schedules.”
Normally, I’d be responding with something akin to “Isn’t that just your tough luck? Pay up” (but in a more professional way). However, this is a long-time client whose never before questioned my work or my invoices. Also, the offer extended wasn’t to forget entirely my payment due, but to roll it into the most current project. To that I say fine. But just this once.
Because the offer was extended along with the immediate refusal of payment, I accepted it. And because we have a long, happy history together, I went with it. But as I said, this time only. I’m all for giving a client a break, but I’m not all for starting a new habit of “Gee, I didn’t really use this” refusals once the work’s been delivered. They know that going forward, the bill is paid without discussion. If the work completed doesn’t suit, I need to be told so within reasonable time limits so I can fix it.
Given the quick turnaround on this one, I understand the need to get it done yesterday. However, that ties my hands, as well. I cannot get the full scope of the project – the focus, intent, requirements, etc. – if I’m given less than 60 hours. That will change, as well. If there’s a project in which I’m to be called in, I have to be given ample time with which to complete it, including full communication on what’s expected.
In some cases, client concessions are possible. In this case, because of our history together, I was able to. However, when it becomes a habit that the writer’s invoices become optional, it’s time to insist on payment and rethink the relationship. Despite thinking this client is a terrific client, I won’t hang on if this type of concession has set a precedent. And I won’t be shy about informing them, either. They need to know why their contractors are unhappy as it will only improve their relationships going forward.
8 responses to “Concessions”
Yeah, I may well be having a similar conversation with one of my editors very soon.
when it becomes a habit that the writer's invoices become optional, it's time to insist on payment and rethink the relationship.
AMen
I had a similar situation last week. a company had asked me to ghost write a blog post. 100-300 words. The guy gave me specific stats and info to include that supported his central idea. To ensure I wrote in his rather distinctive style, I included exactly what he said and how he said it.
It was waiting for him before he got to his office the next day.
Upon reading it, he decided he hadn't given me a very good idea to start with – it was thin. (He also keeps calling blog posts "articles.") He complimented my writing, and said they'll be in touch when they have something more substantial for me to do. He also assumed he didn't have to pay for it since he didn't use it. Not wanting to get into a hassle over a cheap blog post and damage a new relationship, I said, "Good thing I was going to offer the first one as a freebie, anyway. But that was a one-time offer."
Seriously: What other professionals only get paid if and when their product is used?
Like you said Lori: an occasional concession is okay. But we have to make it clear when they are concessions so we don't set negative precedents.
Oh! I forgot to say I have Devil in the White City, too – but I haven't started reading it. I have another book to finish first.
I'm a very slow reader – I have tons of floaters moving all over the place, so eyestrain hits quickly, especially after being at a computer screen all day. (Seriously, my floaters remind me of looking through a microscope at lots of microscopic specks and lines darting around.)
Let me know how you like the book!
That's the beauty of a deposit. At least a portion of your time can be compensated that way.
Though, I don't always require a deposit for my long-standing clients. Hm, perhaps I should…
It must be that auditioning or sampling without contract or commitment is now a common part of most creative processes. Looks like it spills over into the realm of writing as well.
I was recently offered a "job" selling ads for a new four color print publication. I not only had to sell the ads but prep them for the printer and coordinate the entire advertising portion of the magazine with payment at publication, which is every 4 months, and at a commission rate determined by the amt of profit on the sale itself. In these "recessionary" times I guess anything goes as long as someone does't have to actually pay the bill until it's more convenient.
Chuck
Straighten them out good, Devon.
Ruthibelle, it's like saying to your doctor "Sorry, I'm still sick, so I'll pay you when you make me better."
Paula, I've had clients calling blog posts "articles", too. It's then that I question when and where it will be used. Blog posts require a different style and voice than articles. And a different price. Articles are more in-depth. If they're using it as an article, not only are they doing their readers a disservice, they're intentionally misrepresenting the project to me. And they now owe me at my article rate. (And so far, I LOVE the book.)
There's the issue, Courtney. I've worked with this client for five years. First time ever this has occurred, which makes me wonder if it's the start of a trend (thank you, recession). I won't tolerate it. I can't. My business life depends on it.
Good seeing you, Chuck! Sounds like a pretty raw deal you were served. As far as anything going in a recession, that job and those people would be GONE in my book!
Lori, Great blog post, but I was tickled when I saw what you're reading. "Devil" is one of my FAVORITES. I was actually so inspired by the book, I did a lot of extra reading on my own. I even landed an assignment for an historical market because of it. Are you loving it?