[thelist] Sensitive Business Question...

Alan,

You are in a very awkward position.  However, let me remind you that your client
is the one who put you there.  In my opinion, you shouldn't worry about
embarrassing your client.  You should worry more about "good relationship" you
thought you had possibly going bad.

There is no easy way to tell someone their check is bad.  But, I do think you
have an lousey conversation coming up.  How about starting the conversation by
asking him if he wouldn't mind checking with his bank about the check for
you--that there seems to be a problem with it.  You don't need to use the words
"insufficient funds" or "bounced" necessarily--just that there is a problem and
you're not sure what it is.  He will then (probably become defensive) and check
into for you.

If he's decent he will apologize and assure you the check is good for payment.
If he doesn't, you may consider dumping him.

Doesn't this stuff suck though.
.........Shel

Alan McCoy wrote:

> I just signed a web site design contract with a new client. We're on a good
> relationship and the whole project has started off on a good note. I got a
> check from him yesterday for the first installment of the bill (project
> "kickoff" payment). When I went to cash the check, his bank informed
> me that the funds to cover the check were not available. Now, I'm afraid
> that if I call him to let him know, I might risk embarrassing him and
> potentially cripple a good working relationship, even though my intention is
> certainly not to embarrass him, but to let him know about it for his own
> financial protection.
>
> Have any of you had a similar situation? If so, how did you handle it while
> at the same time keeping the waters calm?
>
> ________________________________________
> Alan McCoy
> a.r.mccoy@larc.nasa.gov
>
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