F**k you, pay me!

[Andymac]

I think a letter from a lawyer can help, but you would have to be sueing fro a good amount to proceed in court with a lawyer, at least up here.

Best is to squeeze them - they need it, they need to pay - don't pay can't have it.

Then go small claims. Again up here, it's fairly easy to start a small claims action, up to about 10,000 or so. they actually like you not to have a lawyer, or don't put too much bonus on someone showing up with a lawyer.

Make sure you have a clear paper trail, a clear arguement (I did the work, he took the work, he didn't pay) with copies of everything for the judge, and make sure you gave them a chance to pay and have your letters/invoices documented

but my experience (I did it a few times, and had it done to me) was that it took a long time to get in front of a judge, and the pricks lost, but then appealed, then we had to do it all over again, which eats up time. Took about 2 years.

I've got a local theatre owes me $5,000, they have for 3 years. I think they want me to forget about it, but I keep phoning and emailing every month, and we have it almost done (so they told me right befor Christmas...the funds are almost in). Other situations I've just chalked it up to learning through the years, and try not to get in that situation again.

For design and graphics, the 1/3, 1/3 1/3 or 50 down, 50 on delivery is the safest. You must always get a deposit so they can't walk away if they don't like it.

[CRISPIAN2005]

send the boys round and whack em!!

[Evil Alice Corp]

i'll take care of those morons for you!

[swampviking]

Originally Posted by Evil Alice Corp

i'll take care of those morons for you!

You misspelled MORAN!

[3d glasses]

oh great! thanks for that relevant post!

[J.Danger]

Originally Posted by fantasygoat

When they noticed me and came over asking what's up, I explained I was trying to recoup the money they owed me, plus money to cover my time there selling them. I was super nice and friendly the whole time.

They paid in full and I left. Quite effective!

Very well played. Unfortunately music is an industry where people will jack you if you give them the chance way to often. Everybody likes good design, nobody wants to pay for it.

[julia green]

I hate that people think they can fucking rip off artists. I want to beat every person in the head that attempts it.

I am just starting out and not charging much of anything to design. I did some album art for a local hardcore band (that sucks ass) and first, they altered my design without telling me or asking for permission, and sent it to the printers so there was nothing I could do. I didn't have a problem with them altering the design as long as they fucking told me first and did a good job (which they didn't). Then, I never got paid for the fucking job!!! Every time I see the fucking head of the band he keeps making excuses.

The cover even got printed in a magazine that does a ton of album reviews. I wasn't even really informed about that either.



I hate these fuckers and tell every designer in town not to work for them.