waiting for payment

[cjm2783]

i finished a mulching job yesterday for a new costumer, the bill was 1300.00, i left my bill in the mailbox. i have a feeling he's not going to pay until i call and harass him.
how many days should i go and how should i go about this?

thanks

[lw4259]

payment terms

You didnt say if you had payment terms outlined in the written contract. Oh ya you do have a written contract right . That been said, most customer take 30 days to pay after invoice/statement. Thats a long time for me so i mix how i do things. For instance weekly mowing gets billed, but installs, cleanups etc. are paid upon completion. On big projects i will ask for 50% down 50% on completion.

There are other ways to handle this too this is just my way.

Lee

[Seascape]

the bill was 1300.00, i left my bill in the mailbox. i have a feeling he's not going to pay until i call and harass him.

Dang man who do you think you are? Chemlawn? I will keep the invoice in situations like this. Than ill stop back later and do a walk through and get paid.If its thurs day or friday,, ill call and see if i can stop by early saturday to do a walk through. They know what your really after but who cares. Its still good cutomer service. Best thing to do now is call and ask if hes had a chance to check out his new mulch and what he thinks? Than just remind him you placed the bill in his mailbox and ask him if he can mail that out right away. Or if you can stop by and pick it up. If you need the money dont be shy. He knows its due upon completion,, people that pay 1300 for mulch didnt get rich being stupid.But your right,, if this is a new client and he called you from a paper ad,, he may see how far he can take it. Some people will be so greatful that theyll call you and tell you to come right now and get your money,, others are just the opposite. You never know really. Just call him and set something up.Lesson learned.

[cjm2783]

i will give it until tomorrow afternoon, the mail will be ran by then. i'm new to the lawn biz, but i guess as i mature in it i will learn from stupid mistakes.

so you think 1300.00 is a lot for a mulch job... 17yds@45per... i had a few extras in there also...

i wanna be like chemlawn...

[MGO]

17 yards....I would charge $1,360 in my area.

If they don't pay....break their kneecaps! heheh ahahah

[merlin]

$1300???? This is definetly a face to face issue. Not a leave a bill and hope it gets paid. $20 maybe leave a bill, but not $1300. Go back and see the guy and get your payment. Don't get stiffed on that much.

[edger]

You didnt say if you had payment terms outlined in the written contract. Oh ya you do have a written contract right

This i learned on my first install. Have one in my binder right now ready for the next install.

On big projects i will ask for 50% down 50% on completion.

I go 20% down and the rest on completion.

Well cj, did you get the $$?

Chris

[1/3rd Rule]

i finished a mulching job yesterday for a new costumer, the bill was 1300.00, i left my bill in the mailbox. i have a feeling he's not going to pay until i call and harass him.
how many days should i go and how should i go about this?

thanks

Putting a bill (or anything else for that matter)in the mailbox is a bad idea,unless your the homeowner or a postman.No postage/postmark,I hope he received it.

[MEvans857]

50% down is to much I think. 30% max. from a customer's point of view. It's good for us but a norm.