Client trying to weasel his way out of paying

chromeboy007

chromeboy007

Well-known member
I think I have come across 'one of those' here...

To keep things short, I was asked to record a full day of presentations, deliver the full presentation videos, and a highlight clip by their directions. I have delivered the full presentations, and have been waiting for them to give me directions on how to edit the highlight clip... for over a month, when they have initially said that they would want the clip right away. The client is sitting on this as the reason for not processing my invoice.

What do I do?
 
You should never leave original material with a client. It's your property and you should stipulate in the agreement that they'll get a version of the original material.
 
And, I would have done a lower res version of it for the client handover for preview. Copy of full res version available upon contract completion (meaning you were paid in full).
 
editman said:
You should never leave original material with a client. It's your property and you should stipulate in the agreement that they'll get a version of the original material.
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The full videos are edited and compressed. The job was put together in a hurry and no there is not a contract, just a bunch of emails agreeing what is to be done and how much.

And an invoice.
 
If your cool with people that hired you, I would explain that you have some bills that need payed, and if they could at least send over a partial payment until they decide what they want. I always try to be cordial and nice at first because more often than not they will understand. If and when you tell them you have some expenses that need paid, and they dont respond, or care. Then the nice guy goes out the window. Granted business is business, and contracts speak volumes. But without one, you can only approach this in a couple different ways. Try the nice guy and see what happens.

There's always small claims court if all else fails, But it may be more satisfying to make a video about the company that hired you and let the public know how they screwed you over. As long as you dont slander them or lie, your fine. Make a vid send it over to them and let them know it will be showed to the public as a warning to any other compny that plans to do business with them. This is done all the time on National television.
 
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An upcoming project requires that their media be removed from your computer to make space.
Their media will need to be deleted to do so, or archived for an additional charge for the purchase of a new hard drive.
You have 15 days of open edit time available to complete their project in a timely fashion before the media will need to be moved.
 
maranfilms said:
If your cool with people that hired you, I would explain that you have some bills that need payed, and if they could at least send over a partial payment until they decide what they want. I always try to be cordial and nice at first because more often than not they will understand. If and when you tell them you have some expenses that need paid, and they dont respond, or care. Then the nice guy goes out the window. Granted business is business, and contracts speak volumes. But without one, you can only approach this in a couple different ways. Try the nice guy and see what happens.

There's always small claims court if all else fails, But it may be more satisfying to make a video about the company that hired you and let the public know how they screwed you over. As long as you dont slander them or lie, your fine. Make a vid send it over to them and let them know it will be showed to the public as a warning to any other compny that plans to do business with them. This is done all the time on National television.
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Sorry, but I think this is a very wrong approach. The OP is in this situation because his practices were not businesslike enough, and this suggestion is to be even less businesslike. One's personal finances do not matter to the client, and revenge videos will really turn off other potential clients.

OP, make sure in the future to work out a contract and payment terms… even if informal. Generally, people are paid on delivery of anything. Often people are paid part at the end of the shoot, and then part for each deliverable. Your agreement should always spell out the amount of time clients have to make decisions, and spell out the consequences if they don't do their part in a timely manner.

In this case, I would go to the client and say you've completed X percentage of the job and would like immediate payment for that, and spell out a time limit for the rest of the project. Explain clearly in writing what information from them is holding up completion.
 
I'd send them a registered envelope with an invoice for full payment and a letter that lets them know they have to either pay in full or return the original material, which is yours, within 3 business days. It can be as simple or legal as you feel comfortable but essentially they have your work and won't pay for it. Not good. GL
 
I should of been more clear. I was referring to "expenses or bills" as for the job. (equiptment rentals, crew that need paid). But then again, that was why I said "if your cool with the client". Most wouldn't care, but I know first hand some do.

As for what you call "revenge videos" I would call it more of a public service announcement.:) I admit, it's not the best way to go about it. But when there's nothing left to do, it's better than nothing in my opinion.
 
ullanta said:
In this case, I would go to the client and say you've completed X percentage of the job and would like immediate payment for that, and spell out a time limit for the rest of the project. Explain clearly in writing what information from them is holding up completion.
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I think this is the direction I'll head towards. Thanks.
 
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