Worst Client ever !

Haggis

Hi

Just wondered if anyone has experience of really bad clients - I have been doing some work for a kitchen fitter for a couple of years now and I always, always have to wait for ages for him to return calls, deliver paperwork and to cap it all have just had his cheque returned for my last payment !
Has anyone any ideas or suggestions on how to deal with these characters or is it just one of the perks of the job !

thanks:crying:

jamesm96

Well, if he's still a profitable client and you don't want to just sack him, maybe try setting expectations as early as possible; write to him the day after his year end to say what records you need and when you need them by, perhaps stating that his fee will increase by a certain amount if he doesn't get you the records by that date, and also explaining what the penalties from HMRC / CH will be if they're later than the statutory deadlines.

I'd also get him to pay you up-front by Standing Order.

Monsoon

Haggis wrote: »

Has anyone any ideas or suggestions on how to deal with these characters

Try the Order of the Boot.

T.C.

Sounds familiar. If you have to wait for paperwork then that is up to him really - chasing is part of the job with some clients. However, I would consider telling him that there has been a change in your policies and you now take half the bill upfront!

JodieR

Don't submit the return until payment has cleared... that way you know you may be waiting a while but you'll have it in time to pay your tax

T.C.

I never submit a Tax Return until payment is received!

Haggis

Thanks to you all, some brilliant ideas !:001_smile: