This video is one of the most entertaining presentations on how to deal with non-paying and problem clients. Creative Morning guest host, Mike Monteiro, is able to take a sensitive topic and inject some humor into it with his witty sense of humor. You’ll not only get a few laughs out of the discussion, but you’ll also take in some very important advice on how to deal with the inevitable problem client. Regardless of whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur who books the occasional paying gig, you have to know what to do to protect yourself from non-paying and slow-paying clients.
Monteiro and his lawyer, Gabe Levine, cover a plethora of talking points in the nearly 40 minute talk. While the gist of the entire presentation could be summarized by saying “GET A CONTRACT”, it’s well worth the time to watch the entire clip. Remember, knowledge is power and there is a lot to be gained from the video.
Here are just a few reasons they discuss in detail:
- Contracts protect both parties.
- Don’t start work without a contract.
- Don’t blindly accept their terms, review all contracts. Have a lawyer review your contracts and don’t be afraid to negotiate if you see something you don’t like on a client’s contract.
Let’s have a look at the presentation below, but a quick heads up before you press play: there is some colorful language in the clip, as the title “F*ck You, Pay Me” might suggest. It’s all in good humor, but we recommend sliding on a pair of headphones if you’re somewhere an occasional f-bomb may be deemed inappropriate.
Though the video referecned design work quite often, the ideas Monteiro and Levine present in the presentation can apply to just about all creative fields, especially including photography.
It would be interesting to see how our fellow DIYP community deals and/or helps prevent getting burned by bad clients, let us know your techniques in the comments section below.
[ via Reddit ]
FIND THIS INTERESTING? SHARE IT WITH YOUR FRIENDS!