I know that I am new to the online world and that maybe I just haven't been through the "ropes" I just got off a 15 day job with a guy who promised to pay me $1500.00, I only got $600.00 because he was low on budget. The job was already finished so I can't go back and take it back or back out. His other deal is he makes alot of excuses.

Can I please have a more concrete way of not being "stiffed"

Thanks,
Jerry

cash up front

Don't feel bad, I've been screwed by two contracters in the last month. I've lost about $4,000. You can't really tell up front who's a crackhead or a drunk. It's definately a trust game in that world.

But thank goodness I've found some good contracters to clean up their mess and that were honest. So don't feel bad, it happens. Just keep pressin'.

I tried getting cash up front but he told me that he only had a few hundred. He only sent me 100.00. I guess I am pissed because I was planning on getting a cool present. (last minute shopping)

Keep on pressing I will.

There was your first mistake. Don't work with people that can only scrape together a few hundred bucks. If you're talking about writing copy, you're really gonna get hosed because they won't know how to market either, and it will be all your fault.

He received great conversions for his niche. I was trying to be nice and get myself out there.

Mistake on my part.

Jerry

Hey Jerry,

I think you've been given good advice here already. It does happen. I guess I've been lucky because there were a couple times I was sure I'd never see the second half of my money - but it's always come through. My new rule is going to be half to hold the spot, the second half when it's time to start the writing. I know this isn't always an option when you're starting out, but at least try in the future.

Otherwise, some CWs will send the final draft in a pdf and hold the files for final payment. I was never comfortable with it because the pagebreaks piss on the integrity of your letter, but it's an option.

Good luck.

Jerry,

I've been very fortunate with clients. Most pay upfront, but I do have three--and only three--I can trust with paying me after the job is finished. These are special arrangements, though. I know they're always good for the money.

Rule of thumb: Always get payment upfront--at least half. It stinks that you had to learn that lesson the hard way. Hopefully this guy will eventually send you the money. If clients cannot afford your services, don't take the job. PERIOD.

Deb

I was informed that he couldn't pay as he needed to get traffic. I have cut my losses and I'll get more players.

Jerry

P.S. Thank you everyone for helping me through this

This is what clients say when they don't intend to pay.

I don't understand why so many expenses come up right when a guy has to pay his copywriter. Their bills need to be paid immediately, they need gas for their car, groceries for the month, traffic for their website, payment for the autoresponder, payment to clickbank and so on and so forth.

And at the end of all that, they say the copy wasn't good and didn't convert for them. CASE CLOSED!

Anyway, you should have recognized the first warning sign when he said he could send only $100 up front. So, it's not entirely his fault.

You gotta take responsibility for the position you're in too.