Getting payment from the "elite"
Getting payment from the "elite"
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anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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[redacted]

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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You get wkers in all walks of life.

Simpo Two

92,928 posts

295 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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They are rich for a reason...

jon-

16,534 posts

246 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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Simpo Two said:
They are rich for a reason...
Assuming the goods aren't that high value you'd think their time would be more valuable than wasting 30 minutes trying to get 30 days credit...

stuart-b

3,651 posts

256 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yes, we've had problems in the past too. However, at least you know they are good for it.

However you could try another approach. "We are only a small company, and due to the economic conditions cash flow is always a problem. Therefore we're not able to extend credit without it affecting our extremely competitive pricing - as you will appreciate. So in order for us to continue to provide you with the best service possible we require confirmation of this purchase order and money via BACS or full payment upon delivery."

Then if you turn up and they don't pay, you inform them politely that your supplier has extended you a few days free credit and you will have to return said goods.

Bit of bullst and ego boosting seems to work with these types.

Unfortunately they get upset easily, and will spend MORE money with a competitor if you piss them off, just because they can.

threesixty

2,068 posts

233 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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stuart-b said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yes, we've had problems in the past too. However, at least you know they are good for it.

However you could try another approach. "We are only a small company, and due to the economic conditions cash flow is always a problem. Therefore we're not able to extend credit without it affecting our extremely competitive pricing - as you will appreciate. So in order for us to continue to provide you with the best service possible we require confirmation of this purchase order and money via BACS or full payment upon delivery."

Then if you turn up and they don't pay, you inform them politely that your supplier has extended you a few days free credit and you will have to return said goods.

Bit of bullst and ego boosting seems to work with these types.

Unfortunately they get upset easily, and will spend MORE money with a competitor if you piss them off, just because they can.
I hope that works for you. There is absolutley no way I would take that approach, from the outset it makes you sound small, unreliable and financially stretched. People dont want to order from a company like that.

Just be polite and firm, I can't say we find richer or more famous clients are slower payers. You just remember them more readily.

stuart-b

3,651 posts

256 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
quotequote all
threesixty said:
stuart-b said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yes, we've had problems in the past too. However, at least you know they are good for it.

However you could try another approach. "We are only a small company, and due to the economic conditions cash flow is always a problem. Therefore we're not able to extend credit without it affecting our extremely competitive pricing - as you will appreciate. So in order for us to continue to provide you with the best service possible we require confirmation of this purchase order and money via BACS or full payment upon delivery."

Then if you turn up and they don't pay, you inform them politely that your supplier has extended you a few days free credit and you will have to return said goods.

Bit of bullst and ego boosting seems to work with these types.

Unfortunately they get upset easily, and will spend MORE money with a competitor if you piss them off, just because they can.
I hope that works for you. There is absolutley no way I would take that approach, from the outset it makes you sound small, unreliable and financially stretched. People dont want to order from a company like that.

Just be polite and firm, I can't say we find richer or more famous clients are slower payers. You just remember them more readily.
That is one way of looking at it, but the OP might be a small company, and if you are a one man band or a partnership, why pretend to be a big successful corporate? The customer has worked with you due to his relationship with you, and knows all about your company (especially if you're involved in long term consultancy) Absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is results that count at the end of the day.

NAS

2,589 posts

261 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
Yup. Most interesting.

pontypool

615 posts

269 months

Wednesday 31st March 2010
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The thing I like to do is email very wealthy non-paying clients and let them know that if they are having trouble paying the £19.99 then they should contact us to discuss a payment plan.

More often than not this elicits the readies.

Vee

3,109 posts

264 months

Thursday 1st April 2010
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pontypool said:
The thing I like to do is email very wealthy non-paying clients and let them know that if they are having trouble paying the £19.99 then they should contact us to discuss a payment plan.

More often than not this elicits the readies.
Do you get much repeat business ?

southendpier

6,214 posts

259 months

Thursday 1st April 2010
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They will be driving around in the Maserferrari while you are stuggling to pay the mortgage.

If you give them 30days and they don't pay for a reason get on 'em.

If they dont pay warn them, then send the court letter.

fk em.

(as they would fk you).

= Business.

Be as professional in collecting your income as you are in offering a service.


StevieBee

15,399 posts

285 months

Thursday 1st April 2010
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Would add to this; Celebrities - many (in our experience, most) retain the belief that their status in life means they need not pay for anything - the credibility they bring by association should be sufficient payment in its own right.

Even worse are those that work with and know celebrities but are not themselves, famous!

There are exceptions, but they are in the minority.