The subject of no-shows (no-payers?) is IMHO closely related to slo-o-o-o-o-w payers. In both cases it seems to be very dependent on how well you know your customer. My procedure for all customers is real low tech. I use the PTG billing pads held in an alumin(i)um case. Top copy to customer, copy to back compartment of case. When payment is received, my copy gets removed from case and service is recorded into my computer. No/slow pays stay there until whenever. When/if the customer calls back, I'm well aware of the transgression since I've seen the name every time I open the case. I then ask them if they would kindly refer to their check records. I'll usually blame my total lack of organization in failing to record their payment, but would they confirm their previous payment, please? Patience does pay... Several years ago one dear customer stayed until I arrived before they went to a friend's funeral. I left the bill, locked up and left, knowing they were "good for it". A year and a half later, when her son (the pianist in the family) was due back from overseas she called to have it tuned. I didn't say a word before she recalled (ashamedly, she admitted) that she never payed for the last visit, and when I arrived she added a sizable amount for "interest". Other customers, like schools, seem to need occasional prodding. I think I've only been "stiffed" twice in twenty+ years. BTW, I shall not be stuffing Sir Isaac's (our fair-haired friend from New Jersey) mailbox with this post. Merry (Orthodox) Christmas! Conrad Conrad Hoffsommer Office - (319) 387-1204 Acoustic Keyboard Technician hoffsoco@martin.luther.edu Luther College pno2ner@salamander.com 700 College Drive -Ignorance doesn't kill you, but it will Decorah, Ia 52101 -make you sweat a lot - Haitian proverb.
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