I do grading/dirtwork/landscaping with Skids--have a decent-sized business with several crews. I have very few problems and have been totally stiffed only a couple of times. 1) On Invoice, "add" $100, $1000, etc.--depending on size of job, and state, "Please deduct $100 (or whatever)if paid in 5 days" Really helps 2) I quit working as a subcontractor. The general contractors usually pay slow and try to beat you down on price, so I don't even bid a job if the request comes from another contractor. (I keep plenty busy without "helping" my competition). 3)If I need to work out a payment plan to land a job, I will. Most people honest enough to say they need a payment plan will actually honor it. 4)If there is communiction once a bill gets 30 days old, I am understanding, but if you lie to me or won't answer my calls, I sue if bill is 60 days old. I have ALWAYS collected in court, and have always actually been paid once I win. I don't care about what the deadbeats say that I have sued--they have enough of a reputation of not paying that no one listens to them anyway. 5) Any materials are paid up-front before I begin work. I don't know if a new, unestablished business could dictate this or not. I didn't do this until I was well-established and had a reputation for good work. 6) Put a nice profit in EVERY bid. Makes it worth waiting for. DO NOT WORK CHEAP but give the customer VALUE--meaning do good work. In my business, if I land more than half of my bids---#1, I am working too cheap #2, I get too far behind. Do not be afraid to make money (don't work cheap). People will pay your price if you do premium work. Always provide VALUE. 7) Don't be afraid to sue. After 60 days with no communication, just get it done. On the other hand, if the customer keeps me informed of why he can't pay and/or begins payments, I am understanding. Life throws everyone curves once in a while. 8) If you have a bad feeling about a potential customer, just decline the work.
PS-- A list like this would have helped me a lot years ago. These are hard lessons to learn.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Hydraulics - Cylinder Anatomy - by Curtis von Fange. Let’s make one more addition to our series on hydraulics. I’ve noticed a few questions in the comment section that could pertain to hydraulic cylinders so I thought we could take a short look at this real workhorse of the circuit. Cylinders are the reason for the hydraulic circuit. They take the fluid power delivered from the pump and magically change it into mechanical power. There are many types of cylinders that one might run across on a farm scenario. Each one could take a chapter in
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
1964 I-H 140 tractor with cultivators and sidedresser. Starts and runs good. Asking 2650. CALL RON AT 502-319-1952
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
