This morning I've decided to put two of my copywriting and marketing clients into collections. I really, really did not want to do it, as I've enjoyed extended relationships with both companies. They're run by *nice* people. I don't know what's going on with them - both have outstanding invoices from autumn. One guy took about 6 months to pay his last invoice with me. He waited until he had another marketing project that he wanted help with, ponied up for his prior debt, and then proceeded to rack up another bill.
This is really too bad. I really did experience satisfaction working for both people. Their projects are challenging and fun - they're smart, nice folks. I remember when the one client was just starting out as an entrepreneur. She sent me a lovely, handwritten thank-you card along with her payment for my website copy. I guess the thrill of paying people who do good work wears off eventually? Well... it's not personal. That's what you have to remember when things like this happen.
In case you have similar challenges in your business, here's the collections agency that I'll be using: Your CollectionSolution.com.
It's too bad that clients like this ruin it for everybody else. I'm changing my payment policy to 100% up front.
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