Now I always get stuff in writing and split payments. Doesn’t fix everything, but at least you’re not left hanging.
I hear you on the split payments. I tried that after a bathroom reno where the guy kept “forgetting” his checkbook—ended up chasing him for weeks. Ever had someone push back hard on the payment schedule? Sometimes I wonder if being too strict scares off decent clients, or if it just weeds out the flakes.
Sometimes I wonder if being too strict scares off decent clients, or if it just weeds out the flakes.
Honestly, I’ve had the same worry. There’s always that little voice saying, “Are you coming off too rigid?” But after a couple of nightmare projects where I was basically a free therapist AND a bank, I started sticking to my guns. The folks who push back the hardest on payment schedules are almost always the ones who end up being trouble anyway. If someone’s legit and values your work, they get it.
I had one client who balked at the deposit and wanted to “just pay at the end.” Red flag city. I explained (nicely) that it’s standard practice, and if that didn’t work for them, maybe we weren’t a fit. They ghosted me, and honestly? Dodged a bullet.
It’s not about being harsh—it’s about protecting your time and sanity. If someone’s scared off by basic boundaries, they’re probably not going to respect your process down the line either.
Title: Delayed Payments Driving Me Nuts—Does This Ever Get Easier?
- I get where you’re coming from, but sometimes I think being too rigid can actually cost you some solid deals. Not everyone who questions a deposit is a flake—some folks just aren’t used to it, or maybe they’ve been burned before themselves.
- In real estate, I’ve had tenants and buyers who balked at upfront payments or strict terms. A few turned out to be great long-term partners once we talked things through. If I’d written them off right away, I would’ve missed out.
- There’s a difference between someone who’s genuinely concerned and someone who’s just trying to dodge responsibility. It’s not always easy to tell at first glance.
- I usually stick to my terms, but if someone seems reasonable and just needs a little flexibility, I’ll sometimes meet them halfway. For example, splitting the deposit or giving a short grace period. It’s worked out more often than not.
- That said, yeah, the ones who push back hard and get defensive? Nine times out of ten, they’re trouble. But I try not to lump everyone together.
Honestly, it’s a balancing act. Too strict and you scare off decent people; too loose and you end up chasing payments or dealing with drama. I guess it comes down to reading people and trusting your gut... which isn’t foolproof either.
One thing that helped me: putting everything in writing up front, but leaving a little room for negotiation if someone seems worth it. Saves headaches later without shutting the door on good opportunities.
Just my two cents—sometimes the “red flag” folks turn out fine if you give them a shot (within reason). Other times, yeah... you dodge a bullet. Never seems to get easier, just different every time.
