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

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

>started charging up front to begin with!).  SO, I have the following
>options and perhaps you can think of others:
>
>1.  Say nothing for now, figuring he's checking my work out. WOrk my
>15 hours this week and 7.5 hours next week and submit an invoice next
>Tuesday and not work until that is paid.
>2.  Send an invoice for $1200, mark off $600 as paid and the other
>$600 due next Wed.
>3.  Send an email asking why he did this and explaining the policy.
>4.  Send an email explaining the policy and not ask.
>5.  Other ??

Don't use e-mail.  Speak to him by phone or in person.  Your first
task is to determine if there is a misunderstanding or if he changed
the agreement on his own.  Do you have a written agreement?  Be very
frank about your concerns, but be careful not to make any accusations.
Leave him a way out without losing face.  Plan this carefully ahead of
time.

You need to be clear in your own mind about what principal you are
going to stand on here.  It seems quite clear to me that there is no
longer a basis for a discount.

Don't be so hung up on respect.  Having a business is about making a
profit.  Sometimes that means swallowing your pride.  It isn't easy.
The important respect issue is that you respect him.  Having said
that, if he is truly being dishonest, it is probably best to walk
away.  It depends on how hungry you are. :)
-- 
Doug Meredith
Skyridge Systems Inc.
506-854-7997
www.skyridge.co