Deck Source
New Member
I take pride in our efforts to provide quality work with excellent products at a fair price. I give free estimates. If a customer chooses to take advantage of our services, I give them a brochure that explains our services step-by-step. I also give them an "FAQ" sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about our products. At job completion, I prefer to mail out invoices for record keeping purposes. The invoice reads "due and payable upon receipt". I will also accept payment on the spot if the customer prefers.
This year, however, I have had some trouble collecting payments. One guy continues to promise payment, but it's been almost two months since job completion. Another lady refuses to pay because the sealer we use does not bead water. She insists it must bead water to be effective, even though I have explained why the product does not bead water and this is also explained in the "FAQ" sheet. I think it's a weak attempt to find fault in our work so she does not have to pay.
Other excuses are "I don't have the money right now" or "I didn't expect the bill to be so high". I never charge more than I estimate unless further work is required. In these cases I always inform the customer. And, why would someone ask to have work done if they don't have the means to pay?
My question is this--What is the most effective method to collect debts? Should I charge interest; establish a pre-payment plan; utilize the legal system; or send my friend Vito to inflict a little pain?
This year, however, I have had some trouble collecting payments. One guy continues to promise payment, but it's been almost two months since job completion. Another lady refuses to pay because the sealer we use does not bead water. She insists it must bead water to be effective, even though I have explained why the product does not bead water and this is also explained in the "FAQ" sheet. I think it's a weak attempt to find fault in our work so she does not have to pay.
Other excuses are "I don't have the money right now" or "I didn't expect the bill to be so high". I never charge more than I estimate unless further work is required. In these cases I always inform the customer. And, why would someone ask to have work done if they don't have the means to pay?
My question is this--What is the most effective method to collect debts? Should I charge interest; establish a pre-payment plan; utilize the legal system; or send my friend Vito to inflict a little pain?