I'll Get Paid, When They Get Paid

Submitted by Syv Ritch on 2. August 2008 - 23:00

This morning I received a call from a web designer who wants me to make some photos for one of his client. I don't really know him, I just know of him through a common acquaintance. Right now, 7 photos for the end of next week, plus the possibility of more photos later. We start to discuss design, format... no problem, yes, yes... Then I start talking money, budget, the amounts sound reasonable. I can make these photos and still make an almost decent profit, and finally I say:

My standard fee is 50% to start and the rest on the delivery of the photos.

If they balk at that, I will negotiate down to 1/3 to start, 1/3 on delivery of the photos, and the last 3rd 30 days later or I'll give them 10% if they pay fully on delivery of the photos. I have not always followed my own rule/policy and I always regretted it. I wrote many times about it, see: Business Curse and many others...

A big silence on the other side of the phone line, nothing, I still keep quiet Can you Shut Up? then he pipes in, in a lower voice:

Him — I'm sorry but we pay, when our customer will pay us.
Me — I can't afford to finance you especially when I don't even know when I'll get paid for my photos and my expenses.
Him — You're missing a great opportunity, there could be lot more work later.

I had to turn him down. Why? Because my expenses would have been at least a thousand dollars in equipment rentals and travel. Can't afford it, especially when I don't even know if I will get paid, what if his client doesn't pay him? If I don't receive a cheque or a PO from a "real company" to start then I can't afford to work.