Client who owed me $1,200 for 4 months paid up front today, and I nearly fell off my chair | Client Horror Stories - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals
Client who owed me $1,200 for 4 months paid up front today, and I nearly fell off my chair
So I did a logo and website for this bakery owner back in March, and she kept putting off the final payment with excuse after excuse. Last Friday I sent one last firm email saying I'd have to pause the rest of the work, and honestly I expected to never see that money. She showed up at my door this morning with a check for the full amount plus a $150 tip, saying her brother who runs a shop in Dallas told her she was being unfair to a small business. I just stood there holding the check trying to act normal. Has anyone else had a client finally pay up right when you were about to write it off, and did you keep working with them?
A buddy of mine ran into the same thing with a guy who owed him for a fence job, and out of nowhere the dude dropped off cash plus an extra hundred for the hassle. He took the money and finished the work, but from then on he made everyone pay half up front, no exceptions. Late money is still money, so I'd say take it and keep her, just change your terms so you're not sweating it again.