VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Voiceforanychoice]

So I was curious how you all handle this issue, but obviously there are some clients out there who are skeez-tastic and difficult enough to deal with that it is worth asking this question.

When you are doing work on your own (non-agency related), how are ways that you ensure you get paid, and that someone doesn't abscond with your recording and drag their feet forever to pay?

I tend to go in the camp of watermarking/using low fidelity copy to show that I have their work done, the general sound, everything is up to snuff, and then I will release the full beautiful version when everything is all settled. Not a great system, and I run into difficulty with larger clients who are net-30/net-45 types, but they tend to be slightly more reputable than Petey Paypal.

So, how do you guys handle this?
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Chris Griesemer - Voice Actor
Austin, TX

www.voiceforanychoice.com

[Scott Pollak]

I think most of the pros here will tell you DO NOT WATERMARK!!! Unless a client has given you reason in the past to believe they're untrustworthy, either in terms of non-payment or 'stealing' your work, DO NOT start off your work relationship with them by IMPLYING that you already don't trust them.

NOTHING will kill a working relationship quicker and, honestly, it just ain't professional.

I'm also willing to bet you that most folks here will say that non-payment or unauthorized use of audio - while it DOES happen - is rare. LATE payment? Now that's a whole 'nuther ball of wax.

Remember, right now a client's number one priority is getting their project done. If you become an obstacle to that by requiring payment before they can even USE your audio, you will lose them to the ten gazillion other voice talents out there who put the client first, get them what they need as quickly as possible, then make sure they're happy with it, then settle up the account.

Don't mistrust a client until they give you a reason to. Until that point in time, treat them as the professional you ARE, with the professionalism they deserve.
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Scott R. Pollak
Clients include Pandora, NPR Atlanta, Wells Fargo, Cisco, Humana, Publix, UPS, AT&T, HP, Xerox and more.

www.voicebyscott.com

[Michael Schoen]

the problem with low fi and watermarking is it's annoying to listen to, but more important, it displays a distrust that gets in the way of talent-client relations.
I like to create trust and a good relationship.
Most people I have dealt with are honest.
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http://MichaelSchoen.com

[Voiceforanychoice]

I guess I should clarify.

For most of the work I do, I usually have a great relationship with the client or will chat with them beforehand and usually get a feel the situation and all is well, but in times where I've dealt with "Hey, I heard your voice on XYZ, I am making some instructional vids and need VO immediately" and they are totally out of left field, thats when I tend to get protective.

The low-fi/watermarking is not a typical response, but I've had times (particularly via V123) where I've booked a job and its taken months and months to collect from a couple people, and the idea of protecting myself from the get-go looks more attractive in that scenario.
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Chris Griesemer - Voice Actor
Austin, TX

www.voiceforanychoice.com

[Scott Pollak]

[Rob Ellis]

what about watermarking by leaving out a small part of the script?

I do this on Voice123 quite often.

Best way to protect yourself outside of the pay to plays=let an agency handle the booking and negotiation. I throw a LOT of potential business to my agent to keep me from having to be the bad guy/bill collector.

[Bill Roberts]

Never Watermark, check the Clients recent and past projects. With YouTube and Google, a quick search of the Clients production company name, you can find all the information you need to know. In 3 years I have never had a non-paying Client, only 2 have needed reminded after 30 days, but never longer than 60 days.

Also with Google and YouTube searches, it’s amazing to find out how many agencies and production companies use your stuff for demo reels on their sites!
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VO-BB Member # 764 (Dec 2009)

[Voiceforanychoice]

[Bish]

From my quick reading of the thread, there seem to be two issues here. Having your audition stolen, and tardy payment.

In the first case, I never watermark... as has been said before, it implies mistrust and it's not the way to start a business relationship. If the audition script is the same as the final job and runs over a minute, they never get all of it... they get enough to know if they want me, but not the entire 300 words script! On shorter, 30 second spots, I'll read the whole thing... mainly to see if it fits OK. Occasionally I've changed a number or a word (or not corrected a mis-read). If I was asked to repeat the audition with a correction, I agree that it would raise a red flag... but it's never happened to me yet.

As for slow payment, If I don't have a history with the client (or a colleague hasn't green-lighted them), I usually ask for 50% up front on any deal over $500. If it's under, I don't usually bother. I've never been stiffed. The longest payment delays are always with the big corporate clients where 30 days is considered a minimum and not a maximum.

Maybe my attitude will change if I get stiffed, but so far I haven't.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

[Philip Banks]

There is firstly point one and pointedly issuse two which is really, point one (a).

How to protect yourself.

Never behave like an amateur in a professional market.
Never work for an professional who wants to pay you like an amateur.