VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Casey Mac]

Hi Folks,
Just have a quick question for you who have been doing this for awhile....I recently completed some production work for a program director on the east coast. It was a new station launch and he wanted imaging (approx. 15 liners) produced by the next day, his normal producer went AWAL and needed it done asap. So obviously I took the oppurtunity and did it.

Now, to my question. He has yet to answer my invoice (i use invoice.com), and has not responded to my emails (approx 5 since I finished the work 3 weeks ago. What do I do? Do I wait it out, do I continue to email him, do I send a Seize & Desist (wouldnt even know how to!),....? what have you all done in the past for non-paying customers?

Thanks all,
Casey

[Philip Banks]

Most businesses will settle invoices after 30 days so I wouldn't panic. Did you ask for your invoice to be paid by a cetain date?

I have to say that not replying to emails is simply rude particularly under the circumstances. Today is probably the day to pick up the telephone, ask to speak to the person who deals with the accounts for the radio station and see if they have your invoice and ask for a payment date.

[KaraEdwards]

It can sometimes take forever for a client to pay up, and radio stations tend to be particularly 'busy' and slow to respond to e-mails. I agree with Banks- don't panic until after 30 days, even 60 for some clients.

I've never done radio imaging- but worked on a morning show for many years...I quit in September '06 and STILL haven't gotten all the money owed to me...(which I've decided is a small price to pay to not have a weekly consultant meeting)

A phone call to the accounts dept would be the next step I would think...

You might not want to deal directly with the - if they end up paying in another week, this may be a place you want to work with again
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Threadjackers local 420

Kara Edwards
http://www.karaedwards.com
kara@karaedwards.com

[DaveChristi]

I’m sure we have all experienced something similar. Waiting for one client to pay another so that we might get paid. Here’s my AR procedure:

30 Days – A reminder

45 Days – A reminder… kind, but firm.

60 Days – “Is there anything I can do to help facilitate a payment?”

90 Days – “The account is overdue, I need to get this invoice off of my books.”

120 Days – “My ‘associate’ Vinny The Hook will be there shortly. Please do not disappoint him. He does not like to be disappointed. He gets cranky if you know what I mean.”
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Dave "Christi" Felton
The Character Voice Actor

[Yoda117]

QFT

Though instead of Vinny, I use a lawyer to write the message.

Works every time. Thankfully I've only had to use it once or twice.

I made a comment about an indusrance policy that is available through most major companies that does this for you. Best $300/year I ever spent
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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

[JBarrett]

[Yoda117]

it might work on some folks, but a true deadbeat only responds when a lawyer or law enforcement get involved.

and sometimes not even then.

but on that note...


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Voiceovers by Gregory Houser
Philadelphia based Voice Actor

Blog - A man, a martini, and a lot of microphones

[Sound Advice]

Send that invoice by email, fax, and snail mail!

[mcm]

In my experience, the slow payers have simply failed to pass the invoice along to their book keeper. It's a good idea to ask who the right person is to receive the invoice. And once you send it, don't pester them until 30 days have passed, unless it has been agreed that payment is due upon receipt. My invoices state that payment is due in 30 days.

[banjo]

Casey, Sorry you're having this problem. It's terribly frustrating. Unfortunately this type of "no pay/late pay" situation for radio imaging happens more frequently that you would imagine.

After getting "burnt" on a few projects when I first started doing station imaging, I started using a production agreement for every new broadcast client especially if it's a fast turn around project AND most certainly if it's a radio next-day format flip or new sign-on.

It's a simple one page document that clearly states the obligations of both parties. I sign and date it then send to the PD or GM to sign and date. They then send the signed agreement back to me. Once I get the signed doc back, I begin the project. If I don't get the signed prod agreement back ...I don't do the project. The production agreement can also be used as an invoice.

Although a signed prodution agrement is no guarantee for payment
it's worked 99.9% of the time for me, weeded out the rip-off artists
and has served as excellent court and collection documentation.

BTW, this production agreement works with other VO projects as well.

If you or any VO-BB member want a copy of the prod agreement drop me an email.

Glad to help and hate it when a VO talent gets ripped-off, especially when it's a radio station doing the ripping.

Good Luck!
mikecarta@knology.net

[Casey Mac]

Thank you all & thank you banjo! I've sent you an email It's frustrating, but I am sure it will work itself out in the end...

Now, what do you all prefer for payment methods? How many people are using paypal these days primarily for payment processing?

Thanks Again

[Yoda117]

[Hart]

I'll take paypal because it's an easy way to accept credit cards. I prefer checks and money orders.
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Hart Voice Overs Blog
Brian Hart Productions

[Lizden]

PayPal or check
I never had anyone ask to pay by Money Order, but I'd take that too!

Virgin sacrifices just go too messy!

Liz

EDIT: BTW: I agree with the 30/60/90/120 breakdown
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Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

[Hart]

For a while I was actively marketing myself towards podcasters and internet stations. As it turns out a good number of them don't have credit cards or checking accounts. So, I've gotten a few money orders.
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Hart Voice Overs Blog
Brian Hart Productions