I run a small graphic design/web business. I took on a small nonprofit theatre that is under new ownership and striving to make a comeback. They had a hideous 1 page website, and needed a new one. I agreed to do it for them at a reduced hourly fee, partially to build my business and also for the exposure (on their web site, in playbills, referrals from them, etc...). February's invoice took 2 1/2 months for payment. I submitted a small invoice to them in Mid June ($250) for web site updates and maintenance. I faxed it and emailed it a few times, but have not received any response from them at all. I tried to call today, and left a message. About mid-June, when I last heard from them, they said that they wanted to add Flash and jazz things up. I told them that it would cost more money (and time) then what they were paying me, and we could renegotiate. I also noticed that someone else has been updating the website. Is there any way that I can collect, or do I write this off on my taxes?
2006-07-13 13:24:07 · 4 answers · asked by cyber_groupie 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
Learn from this -- always get 50% up front for any project you take on.
Did they at least give you exposure on their website, playbills, etc.? Have you called them? Make sure that they at least uphold this part of the bargain. You really need to speak to the person that agreed to your services. Faxing and e-mailing just allows them to ignore you.
I would not deal with them again, even if they paid upfront. You are a professional and they have not treated you as such.
2006-07-13 13:36:54 · answer #1 · answered by ps2754 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I had a customer that wouldn't pay and I did there work for a lower rate I finally figured I wasnt going to get paid .I decided to try somin different there location was in a high traffic area so I sent a letter making an agreement to forgo payment for a small but sizeable spot were I could place some advertisement instead of persuing legally . They accepted and it worked out great.They got off free and I recieved some bussiness from the advertising I placed there that I would not have gotten.And yes I wrote it off on taxes as a loss legally you can because you werent paid by them...........Sometimes it pays to have non paying customers......
2006-07-13 20:38:25 · answer #2 · answered by wardancer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a contract or a purchase order from them or was it all verbal?
If it is all verbal you will never prove your case. Chalk it up as experience and move on.
If you have something in writing, take them to court, again just for the experience.
2006-07-13 20:30:17 · answer #3 · answered by god1oak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take them to small claim court. Thats the only thing you can do.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.bestcreditrates.net
http://www.online-discount-pharmacy1.com
2006-07-13 20:41:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋