[thelist] Sensitive Business Question...

> > I  got a check ...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.

In my business (criminal lawyer), I generally tell clients that if
they bounce a check on me, it's gotta be cash, money order or bank
draft the next time. And I hit them with the bank charges for the NSF
check.

In the web design business, diplomacy is in order. But the basics
should be the same: no work until the money is in place, which means
waiting for bank confirmation that the check has cleared. Don't move
on to the next phase before payment is in place. You can say it's
company policy, nothing personal.

> >  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.

Don't be ridiculous. This guy is irresponsible or negligent at best
(or, to be generous, the victim of a bank screw up). I would not
coddle him. But I'd give him a second chance.


Ron Jourard
Toronto
defencelaw.com