Avoid a Problem Client When You Are Contract Bookkeeping
November 9th, 2009 | Author: admin
When you’re in the business of contract bookkeeping, it’s inevitable that sooner or later you’ll run into a problem client. So what can you do to avoid having to deal with these types of clients? There are a few steps you can take:
1. Be very picky about the clients you take on. Don’t take on every business that comes your way. Ask how long they’ve been in business because, statistically speaking, if they’re new in business there’s a good chance they won’t be around for very long.
2. If a client tries to negotiate your rates, you may have problems getting them to pay your bill later on. So watch out for people who like to haggle.
3. Have every client sign a contract with you that states your rates, hours of operation, scope of services and your billing periods. If you discuss these issues when you first take on clients, you’ll find that you’ll have much fewer problems with them later on.
4. Have a client pay you a retainer up front before you start work especially if you suspect that you may have problems collecting payment from them. Then once one retainer is used up, rebill them for another.
5. Make sure you bill your clients regularly (such as at the end of each month, or at the end of each job). If you client hasn’t paid your bill as quickly as you’d like, a friendly phone call is usually all it takes to get them to send you a check. If you do this consistently your clients will be “trained” that you expect payment promptly and will usually do so.
If you take these steps when you’re contract bookkeeping you’ll find that you can avoid problem clients. Who wouldn’t want that?
When you’re in the business of contract bookkeeping, it’s inevitable that sooner or later you’ll run into a problem client. So what can you do to avoid having to deal with these types of clients?
There are a few steps you can take:
- Be very picky about the clients you take on. Don’t take on every business that comes your way. Ask how long they’ve been in business because, statistically speaking, if they’re new in business there’s a good chance they won’t be around for very long.
- If a client tries to negotiate your rates, you may have problems getting them to pay your bill later on. So watch out for people who like to haggle.
- Have every client sign a contract with you that states your rates, hours of operation, scope of services and your billing periods. If you discuss these issues when you first take on clients, you’ll find that you’ll have much fewer problems with them later on.
- Have a client pay you a retainer up front before you start work especially if you suspect that you may have problems collecting payment from them. Then once one retainer is used up, rebill them for another.
- Make sure you bill your clients regularly (such as at the end of each month, or at the end of each job). If you client hasn’t paid your bill as quickly as you’d like, a friendly phone call is usually all it takes to get them to send you a check. If you do this consistently your clients will be “trained” that you expect payment promptly and will usually do so.
If you take these steps when you’re contract bookkeeping you’ll find that you can avoid problem clients. Who wouldn’t want that?
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