how quick should you be paid ?

[RDTiling]

Alot of self employed people have no idea that unless you agree a payment date and terms with the customer prior to commencing work, then they have the right to pay you within 30 days of getting your invoice (or the goods or service.)

You can set your own payment terms, such as discounts for early payment and payment upfront but you have no rights in law to demand this at the end unless agreed between you and the customer.

How many people here that say they are paid as they leave have these terms agreed, and (going back to T&C's from another thread) how many here actually specify this in writing within their terms?

I'm one of those people who did not know that - I must get some T&C's drawn up, but I've really no idea where to start.

I'll hunt down that other thread...

 

[Gazzer]

In an ideal world, I'd like to get paid same day from all jobs, however to be fair to customers I don't mind giving them seven days to pay.

I will occasionally allow that to be stretched to 14 if I know the person, but generally its 7 days.

I'm contemplating getting one of those card things that you link up to your phone, but its whether the customer trusts putting their pin details into a device attached to a mobile phone.

I have the same thoughts myself

 

[widler]

I'm one of those people who did not know that - I must get some T&C's drawn up, but I've really no idea where to start.

I'll hunt down that other thread...

To be honest id put money on most domestic customers not knowing that as well, bit like small print, no bugger reads it 😉

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Only ever had one payment late and that was because the ladies husband died. I waited 3 weeks for that cheque, she had completely forgotten about it under the circumstances. I told her to wait until after the funeral as I knew she was good for it.

Your too soft!
They come up with any excuse.

 

[Peter]

Domestic: hang about their hall till they offer payment
Small builder: That Friday
Plumber: After 2nd fix
Large contractor: Lying week if I'm lucky

 

[Brian the Tile]

think ive just been stung for the first time ,only a small 6mtr porche floor,tiled it thursday but adhesive wouldnt go off for me,arranged to go back 7 am following morn to grout ,told customer not to walk on it but same old story the fairys must have walked on it because she didnt,anyway i made it right grouted and waited to be paid ,nice little job,she agreed and then said she would only pay when she had inspected it proper,cheeky .......,phoned her twice and left message on her answer machine but have had no reply and no payment,it does say on my quote payment on completion

 

[Brian the Tile]

meant to ask whats my next move as this has never happened to me

 

[Dan]

Same day private.
To expect 30 days from the end of the month commercially I guess. But it would depend on your contact, you could stipulate stage payments every 7 days or whatever I guess.

 

[Qwerty]

meant to ask whats my next move as this has never happened to me

Send a letter by recorded delivery requesting the same and see if this works

 

[thompsonbrown]

Only do domestic work now and expect to be paid 50% at start 50% on completion.
When I did commercial work I always asked to be paid within 30days.