Invoices ... was Customer question

[tune4u@earthlink.net]

For private clients, i.e., not churches, schools, etc., I don't write an
invoice unless I've done more than basic stuff. I don't ever want the
customer to think they can "send me a check" and invoices seem to suggest
that possibility to people.

I know from experience in my previous businesses--and my own
Neanderthal-brained money-management skills--how easy it is to put off this
sort of "bill" in favor of rent, mortgage, utilities, taxes, car payments,
credit card bills, a night out on the town, or a new DVD player! I take the
position that they can pay me today, or they wouldn't have asked for service
today. Therefore,  I expect and have always gotten payment before I leave.
It seems to work fine with the people in this area, anyway. I don't really
have to say anything, I just get paid: usually a check, sometimes cash.

If money is a problem after I've shown them the need for repairs, pitch
raise, etc. I have, on a few occasions, let them send me a check for the
balance after collecting at least 1/2. Haven't been burned on that yet,
probably will some time.

For what it's worth ...

Alan Barnard
Salem, MO

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ron Nossaman" <RNossaman@cox.net>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2002 8:29 PM
Subject: Re: Customer question


>
> >But then also there are those customers that pester you for an invoice so
> >that they can pay you for your very professional and timely service.
> >
> >Terry Farrell
>
>
> And immediately AFTER you hand them the invoice and pack up, they say "Oh,
> and did you take care of that pedal squeak?"
>
> Ron N
>
> _______________________________________________
> pianotech list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives