[Jeremy]

Obviously times have changed.

I have never made a habit of asking people how they are going to pay before I perform work, but it's becoming clear that I need to do something different.

On Monday, I had 4 large jobs but never received payment for any of them. I get to peoples houses nowadays to be greated by the maid or aupair, never the owner.

When I ask if money has been left, they look at me as though I'm from another planet. All just assume that they can do an electronic transfer. (Internet banking is enormous in this country)

I currently sit with almost 20 outstanding Invoices for work done. I know I will get the money, but I hate leaving the premises without being paid.

Some words of wisdom would be appreciated as to how the majority of you deal with this problem.

Regards
Jeremy

[cleaning co]

hi, when u get the job ask a few more q like will custy themselfs be thier on the day ? if they say no it be the maid or my fatherinlaw etc etc then say  ok madam if u are paying by chq it needs to be made out to the name of blah blah, i also allways ask if they are just moving in or out of the property  if they reply out i allways state payment to be in cash when job is done
gary

[ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED]

Jeremy, this is all part of business life I'm afraid. The normal course of action is a) do the work b) send an invoice 7 day, 14 day, 30 day etc  c) get paid  When you're dealing with high profile companies, like in the City, then sometimes one has to wait a full three months for their money. Most companies won't pay on invoice, but wait for their monthly statement to arrive. If you are a small company, and you want payment on completion, then stipulate that at the time of survey, or if they do want an invoice sent simply add an administration charge. It's not all bad when they do want an invoice sent as you can then send them other details about your services, this is called advertising and marketing! If you were to put pressure on your current clients to be paid on completion then they may just go elsewhere to Joe Bloggs down the road. At the end of the day, you know you're going to get paid from these customers so why bother 'rocking the boat', I would just keep the status quo.

[Mike Osbourne]

Try presenting your services then terms being cash on completion for domestic. Test it out first. If you really do think you are losing business then fair enough. However I'm just wondering how many of those 20 don't ever get paid, even after a lot of time and effort.

[dirtbusters]

your doing a professional service. NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK HOW YOUR GOING TO BE PAID AND WHEN!!!!!!!   this is why a lot of business start ups fail, people being made to feel like the customer is doing them a favour by using them, its the other way round. as long as you do a good job you should always be paid on the day unless by prior arrangement.

[ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED]

   this is why a lot of business start ups fail, people being made to feel like the customer is doing them a favour by using them, its the other way round.

Oh dear, what a statement to make!! So I wonder what all your customers would say if I rang them up and told them what you have just stated? I bet they would soon give you the boot! If you don't treat your customers (dare I say) like God, then simply you wont have any - there's another 1000 cleaners just waiting round the corner to jump into your shoes.

[Mike Halliday]

Jeremy isn't talking about business he is talking about domestic clients.

just tell them that payment is required on completion, so if they are not present could they leave a cheque and make it out to '...............'

Mike

[carpetguy]

If you send a confirmation of order, or present one at the inspection stage, you can clearly state you trading terms and conditions.

The only domestic work I invoice, is for work that comes from L / A 's, Solicitors, or a couple of Maid Service companies, otherwise I expect and get paid , on completion of work.

Rosina's from another world!

robbie

[Len Gribble]

Jeremy

Only once was I ask to send an invoice, I politely informed the gentleman cow and will give him a receipt.  Follow Gary’s advise you wont go wrong.

Commercial different story, they call the shots on payment, and then it’s up to you!

Len

[Jeremy]

I have been thinking long and hard about this one and have come to the conclusion, rightly or wrongly, that many of my clients use me, not necesserilly  because I clean carpets better than any one else, but because of the image that my company presents.

In many cases, this includes a trust that is built up with the client, be they new or existing. Part of that trust is allowing the customer to pay at their convenience.

I think it's something that I will need to live with.

[Mike Osbourne]

I guess if you go out of business because of cashflow problems, at least you can feel you went with your gut feeling on this one.

All the best

[DanielWelford]

I used to give credit to both domestic and commercial until I got knocked for £8500 ( buy a cleanitup member by coincidence). Now if customers are not prepared to pay on completion, I dont do it (plenty more fish in the sea)...better for cashflow as well.

Dan

[AquaMagic]

We work like this

Domestic - Paid on completion

Commercial work is invoiced and offered 30 days to pay, i offer a 5% discount for accounts settled within 5 days of the invoice, unless the invoice is very large then i substitue this with a cash ammount.  Works for me.

p.s I obviously front load the 5% so in not losing out.

Dene

[Ken Wainwright]

For residential, cheque or cash on completion.  If credit were to be requested by a new customer, I'd decline.

If giving credit is the norm, why don't Tesco and Sainsbury's offer it?

Safe and prosperous cleaning 
Ken

[calmore]

Still early days for me but I haven't met a customer yet who hasn't produced a wad of cash when it's time to pay.

Just a thought, would it be worth getting a paypal/Nochex account? That way, if a customer isn't around when it's time to pay you could ask them to pay online with their credit card?

I'm not saying it'd make people quicker at paying, it'd just give them one less excuse they could use..

[ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED]

Rosina's from another world!

robbie

No, I'm deffinatley from this world.

[Mike Osbourne]

Lady yesterday had no cash. She got a nice ride in my van down to the local cash point. Certainly in the UK it's the norm to pay on completion although I always say before I start that either cash or cheque will be fine.

[David_Annable]

Hi

Mike

Could you have not taken a cheque ?

Dave

[Mike1946]

not with spelling like that

[Mike Osbourne]

Dave,

As I say cash or cheque, for some reason she wanted to pay cash. I've painted it like I frog marched her down there, but it was her idea to go to the till and I offered to take her.