Late Fees?

[Chad Warner]

We spoke with our lawyer about late fees, and he gave us some statute number with a bunch of legal-speak to add to our contracts. It essentially allows us to bill 1.5% per month that the fee is paid late (normally after 30 days). While we rarely get paid within the 30 days, we don't normally charge the late fee mainly because of repeat clients. The odd thing is, when we do end up having to charge the late fee, the client ends up paying right away. It seems like most of the time, they are just holding off paying for as long as possible.

[colinsmith]

Does adding a clause that clients only gain the rights to use the images/animation after full payment has been completed help out at all?

 

I guess it maybe clarifies to them what they are paying for and gives you some more leverage?

 

Here I haven't had any probelms at all, even down to the last job where the CEO had accounting write out the cheque while I waited after delivering the images on CD, but I guess that's the advantage of being the only 3d guy around

[hockley91]

I've warned two companies already that I would report them to the Better Business Bureau. I have never done it through a 3D project, but for some other things I warned these two companies.

 

I guess the BBB is a pretty strong entity, because they got their act together rather quickly and fixed the problem and treated me rather nicely after that.....

 

Adam

[Jeff Mottle]

I've warned two companies already that I would report them to the Better Business Bureau. I have never done it through a 3D project, but for some other things I warned these two companies.

 

I guess the BBB is a pretty strong entity, because they got their act together rather quickly and fixed the problem and treated me rather nicely after that.....

 

Adam

 

The BBB, must vary from place to place, becuase here in Alberta, Canada, they are probably one of the most toothless consumer organization I know of.

[Ernest Burden III]

Does adding a clause that clients only gain the rights to use the images/animation after full payment has been completed help out at all?

 

That is my favorite line in my contract, and no, it doesn't help one little bit.

 

COD works, but you have to be prepared to enforce it. Most clients I do not enforce it with, but with some, I sure do. You can always choose to ignore it, but having your contract say the fee is due upon delivery on a COD basis gives you the right to demand it, and a good legal foundation if you ever had to litigate a contract. But avoid that at all costs, as everyone loses in court.

[Arquitrad]

wow late fees for me this is a luxury! Here in Italy, if you arent lucky enough to work for a big company, and even thats no garauntee, you are really screwed. Last week i got a payment for a job i did 8 months ago! And i've been calling once a week for 7 months! No kidding they made up a new excuse every month. 'we lost the invoice' 'you didnt do the invoice right' 'the font on the invoice is strange' 'we're on vacation' 'the accountant quit' then it starts all over again with 'we've lost the invoice'

 

LOL, why does it sound so familliar to me ?