posted
long time customer been with me since I opened 15 years ago was one of my first big customers calls today says i need my trucks all changed to a new company name, by the way did you hear im in receivership. which I did hear through the grapevine. weve been slow so about 10 to 15 trucks and office doors and such would be nice but I cant afford to take the hit for the vinyl if he doesn't make it, dont want to be rude but im thinking cash only as he picks up each truck what do you guys think. thanks
posted
Since he's admitted outright that his company is already in receivership, I'd make any work performed conditional on getting either a purchase order from the official receiver, or as you say, strictly cash, in advance, as each truck is done. Loyalty notwithstanding, you have to protect yourself in such a situation, and your customer has to understand this. In all likleyhood, one of the reasons his company is in receivership is perhaps because HE GOT STIFFED, when relying on some longstanding trust relationships.
No reason you should have to end up with the same experience, or be out-of-pocket.
[ March 30, 2010, 11:02 PM: Message edited by: Ken Henry ]
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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Probably charge upfront for two, (one up front, one in credit) with COD with each after that up to maybe 6 then extend 7, 14, 28 days, as his situation (hopefully) gets better.
At least that way (if things go bad) all you lose is time, rather than cost of stock.
Cheers
-------------------- Gregg Sydney Signworks (02) 9837 1198 Schofields NSW Australia Posts: 368 | From: Schofields | Registered: May 2007
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posted
Nothing personal, it's just business - cash upfront!
Seriously though, if he is a good client, just have him leave a deposit to cover your expenses (materials & labor) and bill him for the rest.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I'd probably end up believing him, that I would be one of the ones that would get paid, no matter what. I'd do all the trucks. And not get paid.
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
What are your credit terms? You decide who you will & won't issue credit to, not your customers. If it were a new customer, would you require them to pay upfront, fill out a credit app or just believe they'll send you a check someday? If he's changing his name, I'd treat it like any other new customer.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Jon Jantz: I'd probably end up believing him, that I would be one of the ones that would get paid, no matter what. I'd do all the trucks. And not get paid.
Hey Jon, I need a favor. I got behind on my rent but I wrote them a check so they're letting me stay at this nice county housing facility for now. I need to sub out some signs cause this place isn't zoned commercial and besides, all my equipment was reposesssed. BTW, I'm also in Chapter 11 too. Could you do 'em for me? I'll pay ya as soon as I get out.....I mean...back home.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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posted
Hahaha... Wayne. You had me there, was firing up the equipment.... but then the mispelled word 'reposesssed' tipped me off that this was a scam.
Man, you really have to be careful nowadays.
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Yes, of course the extra 's' was a poetic embellishement added to express my great relief at being free from monthly payments....reposesssssssed....ahhhhhh.....and thanks you kindly for your timely response.
Bless you so kindly Prince Ralph Mokele Mbembe
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
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NEVER let someone else's changes in financial situation become a factor in risking your own.
Regardless of the reasons, this person is starting out the conversation with a concern that they will not be able to "take the hit" on the very thing they are asking you to do. If that doesn't send RED FLAGS flying around your head, nothing ever will. Their past businesses may be all fine and good but you need to be aware of the here and now. THEIR circumstances have changed....so should yours. Being nostalgic shouldn't blind you to that.
Cash up front for everything or it could be you taking the "HIT". If they aren't agreeable, they can go elsewhere.
It's YOUR business...run it as you see fit, not your customers. Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
just finished up copying their new logo meeting tomorrow with the proofs my thoughts were exactly that cash or go somewhere else Im not going to take any risk that would cost me money and time as all these trucks need to be peeled off and some were done 14 yrs ago should be fun thanks for the replies
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