Update:
For many years my accountant told me I was too trusting, that I had too great
a faith in the clients I serve. That faith remains. Unfortunately, 2006 brought
an interesting phenomenon, something my accountant refers to as the "Gas and
Dash" mentality. If you've been watching recent news reports, you know that more
and more people are fueling their cars and not paying - but "dashing."
It is, perhaps, a sign of the times and economy we are in.
This "gas and dash" has occurred in my
business, as well. Not a lot, but enough to make me take notice. Because I had
not been invoicing clients until after the work was
completed - and they already "owned" all the documents I created for
them - I had set myself
up for those few with less than honorable intentions. I had clients who were thrilled with
their resumes suddenly "disappear" when invoiced, or come back telling me that
they were having financial troubles. I can sympathize. I really can. To write off
the rare
non-payment has never really bothered me - not only because it happened so
rarely, but because I realize how blessed I am to have the opportunity to work with so many outstanding
clients.
I consider it a privilege to do what I do.
But my accountant then told me
something that made me take pause. She said, "The time you spent working on
these wasted projects could have been better spent in any other area of your life."
And she was so right. I could have spent that time working
with paying clients, or spending time with my family, my husband, my kids, my horses...
Heck, I could have spent that time reading a good book. My time, after all, is
as valuable as anyone else's.
So while I may not mind the loss of a bit of money
now and then, I really do
mind the waste of my time. My time and my life are as precious to me as I know
yours are to you. That's why I work so hard for the clients I serve.
Therefore, beginning on September 15, 2006, I
began requiring 1/2 payment toward any resume package ordered, at
the time of order. This creates a more balanced, more equal distribution of
"risk," and should discourage those who are looking to utilize my services for
"free."
My accountant - well, she is happy.
I am not so much. For over 15 years I have gladly
taken the risk, and not been disappointed. It is very saddening to
know that I can no longer do business the way I have always done: with good faith
and a handshake.
