I'm starting a company with a few friends and as part of the process, I met with a few accountants a few weeks ago to select one for our company. One of them decided to send me a bill for $240 for the initial consultation. I know it's customary for accountants to provide complimentary initial consultation; she also did not warn me in advance that she was going to charge me for the initial consultation. I think it's pretty unprofessional for her to just stick me with the bill, I don't think that I should pay for something I did not agree to. Do I have to pay? She has our to-be company's name, my name & address. If I don't pay, will my credit be damaged?
2007-08-05 18:10:28 · 5 answers · asked by Theodora 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
I should also add that I was referred to this accountant by a friend who had just received a complimentary initial consultation from her.
2007-08-05 18:48:07 · update #1
I agree with another post:
"I don't know that it's customary for accountants to provide a complimentary initial consultation."
But you could look at the content-value for the time. Was it a "get acquainted" session, and she asked alot of questions, only, with no advice.
Or did you get some solid advice that could save you much time and money?
I would only kick-back if there was little or no value to me in the interview. Otherwise pay up, and what a cheap education for future meetings with professionals, as well as saving your rep.
You may not have considered that professionals have only their time to sell; so if you waste it, ...
When I help clients shop for a CPA, we are very clear that the sessions are their chance to show us what they can do. If a great opportunity came out of it, we'd be willing to pay, even if we then hire another firm.
2007-08-05 18:48:51 · answer #1 · answered by geofru 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-05-28 08:17:13 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't count on what you consider "customary". It sounds as if you presumed it would be free. You should always ask if they charge for an initial consultation.. Otherwise, she has a right to charge for her time - even though her price is extremely high. Why don't you call her and let her know that you were under the impression that the initial consultation was free. She might be a nice lady and write off the bill. I wish you luck.
2007-08-05 18:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by Beckers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that it's customary for accountants to provide a complimentary initial consultation. In any case, unless that was stated up front, you should have asked. You need to just pay the bill. It's not unprofessional for her to bill you for the time she spent with you.
2007-08-05 18:26:23 · answer #4 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pay it and learn the lesson. Ask first, assume nothing. You don't work for free why should they.
2007-08-06 17:10:03 · answer #5 · answered by Donald C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋