Getting paid... imagine, if you can!

Heather Ruby · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 188

Ok. I went overtime and did extra for a client, only to find he wanted changes, additions, music under the copy, etc. He paid half up front, as per my instructions. When I told him I fulfilled the agreed upon duties, he says he's getting denied at Ppal for the rest of the payment. Hmmmm...

Do you guys all ask for the money up front, half up front, or what? I suppose one can't see these guys coming. With a legit website, you assume they have the cash to pay.
Thanks in advance.
Frustrated,
H

Scott Pollak · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007, 19:03 (GMT) Post subject:

Heather.... warning! Warning!!

Denied at Paypal? I'd say that's only the case if the bum doesn't have the money in his account to cover it.

Thank goodness so far I've never had any problems getting paid by clients. And other than my ongoing e-learning project, where I bill them monthly, I always just invoice after the fact and get paid. But this is sounding suspicious to me. Not real sure what you can do about this. I think I'd try contacting V123's customer service for help with this one.

Kathleen Keesling · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 746

Heather - It is possible that the customer reached his spending limit. Paypal imposes limits based on security requirements. For instance, if he only has the account attached to a credit card without an attached verified bank account.

Some people ( a lot of them) are hesitant about giving Paypal too much info. Just Google the words "paypal sucks" and you will hear some pretty severe horror stories. Of course, they are FDIC insured now and must adhere to the same/similar standards as banks...but, you know how comforting that may not be to some people...

I require a 50% pre-payment for new clients with final payment may via check or Paypal. I would invoice and ask for payment to be sent immediately via check.

Since there is still communication with your customer, I wouldn't worry just yet.

If you expect the worst in people, you may just get it.

Kat

Anthony Williams · **Voice Talent** Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 663

Your right Scott!

I did have one client try to pay me and said he was denied and when i looked at my paypal account i saw that they wanted me to change my password and verify again that it was me doing those changes and after i did that in paypal . The client was able to pay me immediately.

In My case though the client clicked the paypal button on my site and got a deny right there. Heather in your case your payment screen comes right up so you should have no problems at all getting paid.

Like Scott said , let v123 customer service look into it

Thanks Shocked

J.S. Gilbert · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007, 20:51 (GMT) Post subject: No problems here

I generally require payment in the form of certified gold bullion or at the very least that whatever the form of currency is be exchanged into Yuan and wired directly to my Swiss Bank Accounts.

Alternatively i will ask my client s to pay me in luncheon meats, typically imported ones.

And for those of you in need, my Uncle rocko lost his job at the recycling center and is available to assist in colections. I helped come up with his new business slogan:

"You want I should break his kneecaps for you?"

Catchy huh?

I am certain the union folks and talent agents who are reading these posts and seeing the problems with deadbeats are "gloating".

There are several places in these posts that these issues have been discussed. Someone mentioned inexpensive sights that can verify information presented is correct, and other sites that allow for credit checks.

The bottom line is that with work-for-hire, if it ain't paid for is the work of the creator. You have plenty of recourse. It is unfortunate, but there are many aspects of doing it yourself that aren't pleasant.
Creating simple agreements ahead of time and faxing them to your clients to sign is always wise. I'm also surprised at the number of talent hirers that don't request talent releases. Not smart business. If you answer a lead here and they say they are seeking you to do v.o. for a video game and don't have you specifically sign any agreement and then use your work as part of a tv commercial to sell the video game, you have a legitimate claim to additional compensation.
If the client says that you want you to record v.o. for a radio spot that will run for 3 weeks, then write up a work order, referendum, agreement or contract stipulating that and have them sign it before proceeding with the work. Indicate rate of compensation and any terms such as payment due and payable to PayPal account within 72 hours of receipt of competed work.
It's also wise to seek competent legal assistance in these and other business matters.

Debbie Deutsch · **Voice Talent** Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 1338

For sure utilize an invoice system so you have a paper record you can follow too. and back up all your records of course. Paypal should be able to answer some questions for you too. Good Luck!

Heather Ruby · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 188

thanks guys. All good suggestions and ideas.
Appreciate it.
H
p.s. the idea about unverified bank account rings true, as my first PP payment from him showed he was an unverified member.

Darrell Pritchard · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Mar 2007 Posts: 28

Maybe Voice123 could set up a sample forms section. Nothing legally binding, but examples of simple contracts that the average person might be able to adapt for themselves and send out to potential clients. Something is always better than nothing, and I know I would take any advice I could get on the subject. If I wanted to be a lawyer I would have started sacrificing kittens to the Devil when I was 7 like the rest of em. Laughing

(Before the flames start, I love lawyers, that was a joke, please dont hate/litigate/sacrifice me, I'm just yankin your chain)! Cool

Kathleen Keesling · **Voice Talent** Joined: 15 Jul 2006 Posts: 746

I agree, Darrel. For the most part, I can find agreements online and have.

But recently, I had to ask for some help with a sample of what a retainer agreement looked like and thankfully I was offered some help.

I would recommend some of Entrepreneur Magazines free forms for some guidelines. This is a link to some collection and credit forms for those who may need some inspiration.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/formnet/collectionandcreditforms.html

Darrell Pritchard · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Mar 2007 Posts: 28

Thanks Kathleen, I appreciate that!

Lori Furth · **Voice Talent** Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 226

I had a client tell me that my PayPal account denied his payment, so I had him resend it, verifying the correct e-mail and all went well. I suspect it may be a limit thing or just plain human error.

Giving the benefit of the doubt,

Lori

Heather Ruby · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 188

Lori: Out of your mouth...it happened. I got the remaining payment via paypal tonight! Turns out he was telling the truth. I've had three clients last week and they were all paying customers, so I don't know why I think the worst. You're wise to give the benefit of the doubt and remain positive.

Heather Smile