Re: Received $600 for a $1200 consulting gig: need advice

<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> Perhaps you can help me with a situation....

If you accept the 'partial payment', you are agreeing to a unilateral /
client initiated change in the terms of your contract. In effect, while you
state that 'pay in advance is required', you don't really mean it. It seems
to me that you need to make it clear that unless the terms of your agreement
are lived up to, you cannot do the work.

Obviously, if getting the work is important to you, it might be nice to
express a willingness to renegotiate the terms. If, for example, the client
really does just want to see what you do the first week, agree to a 'trial
period' of one week (which is paid in advance). Following the trial, if the
client wants you to continue, then the standard 'pay in advance' terms
kick-in. Personally, I wouldn't discount my price for the trial, either.
Discount would only kick-in for extended contract. You might also tie
'discount' to meeting terms of contract. Client gets the discount for
payments received 'on time' (in advance).

Best,
Frank J. Hannaford
[EMAIL PROTECTED]