We've had several one time cleanings and there always seems to be the same issue with collecting the payment after the job is done. We always need to send out several emails and make several phone calls in order to get the payment. Is this normal? What's the best way to handle it? 1/2 and final 1/2 upon completion?

You get the money up front before cleaning, that is you can quote how much for how long. No ticky no laundry so to speak.

Is this residential or commercial ?

Commercial... I usually give them a proposal they approve it and we agree on a starting date. I then invoice when complete.

Hi Venture and Tickle,

What type of commercial Venture? New construction?

It is almost impossible to get paid up front in this business especially in commercial. What you may be able to do is two things:

Make sure that your terms are well spelled out in your proposal/contract and put is a percentage due for late payments

Also if there is more than one day involved in the job/s then make sure that you list in your contract that the payment is progressive * with each phase that is completed with site approval.

* After a phase is finished have the job sup walk with you to approve or tell you what needs to be corrected and have him sign off on that section. Then bill for that portion of the work.

We seem to only have a small percentage of these types of jobs as slow pay. Also make sure that the company you are doing business with is reputable. Do D & B or a BBA search on them.

Good luck,

Stringer

The jobs have all lasted no more than 1 day to complete. They just delay the payment and requires calling and emails... I've gave them net 30 then decreased it to net 15 and now am doing immediate upon completion... still there's always a delay.