[pianotech] no cash flow

[William Truitt]

I've done the small claims court thing  twice in 30 years.  First time I got
paid, 2nd time I was dealing with a liar and cheat, won, but never saw a
dime.  That one was for $600.  

 

I know that it can be aggravating and upsetting not to get paid, but this is
really a time for us, as managers of our business, to manage ourselves and
our expectations.

 

Bottom line is that you will get paid when they have the money.  Whether
that is next month or a year from now, you have no way of knowing.  As
others have suggested, don't burn any bridges behind you.  Simply (and
politely) continue to bill them by mail every month as a past due notice.  I
wouldn't even put any remarks in the notice beyond that.  Small claims
involves your time and money and distraction from the rest of your business.
In pursuing that route you are taking something away from yourself that you
will not get paid for.  And you still won't get paid until they have the
money.

 

As a discipline, every time you think about this and it upsets you, resolve
to direct your mental energies towards other things that build business or
improve your skills.  That way you are keeping your eye on what truly
matters and staying positive.

 

You will likely eventually get paid (this does not appear to be a situation
where they are deliberately trying to cheat you), but if you don't, just let
it go and move on.  Stewing in your own juices hurts only yourself and
absolutely no one else. 

 

For the most part, we are lucky enough to be in a business where this kind
of thing does not happen often.  

 

Will Truitt

 

From: pianotech-bounces at ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces at ptg.org] On Behalf
Of Gene Nelson
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 11:35 PM
To: pianotech at ptg.org
Subject: [pianotech] no cash flow

 

So you service a piano for a symphony in a very upscale wealthy community,
submit the bill and after one month inquire as to why it has not been paid.
They answer  that they are having cash flow problems and would get back with
you later. The second month passes and the situation will likely need to be
resolved in small claims court.

 

It is so tempting to let it be known publicly who they are.

 

What would you do?

 

Gene

 

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