How to remind customers to pay for a detail.

[sudsmobile]

Yes, please keep us informed.

[zmcgovern45]

I sent invoices to customers prior to vehicles being picked up from our shop, and I did not release vehicles to their owner without having been paid in full.

If you go to the dealer for service, they don't let you walk away with a $1000 invoice unpaid, do they?

[DetailKitty]

Wow I hope you get paid.

You are WAY more trusting they I.
I do not release keys or the vehicle until I have cash in my hand or their credit card is swiped.

I also do random freelance graphic design on the side and my customer's don't get their finalized files until I am paid in full.

[fly07sti]

This is just crazy. Sorry man but they got one over on you. Hopefully you learn from this and take pointers from everyone’s advice on this thread.

[7.3powerstroke]

Update?

[Maestro Sam]

Hey guys sorry for the late update! Busy for me paint correcting alone and had no chance to get back on the forum! After the initial text, the owner came to my house, handed me a check, and a $100 tip for doing a good job and for the late payment. Her husband is booked with me for a full interior/exterior detail. It is great to share these stories knowing that the autogeek community has your back. Thank you all for the support! I was paid $400 for the 12 hours of work for those that are curious!

[Eldorado2k]

What did I tell you guys?! Freakin overreacting.

If you have the possibility of getting screwed your mind, you’re likely to be screwed.. Be aware of your surroundings, but if you even have the slightest thought of being screwed over, then you’re just living in fear.

There was alot of talk about taking control of the situation in this thread.. More like damage control, but the way I see it, having control is not falling for such BS in the 1st place. If you’re dumb enough to get ripped off by someone like that in this situation, then you have to factor in how much you yourself are to blame for it.

@Maestro. Good deal, I told you everything was going to turn out fine. Just needed to have a little patience. Thanks for the update.

[DetailKitty]

Great news!

Just try and get paid before handing the car over from now on... customers understand having to pay before getting the keys back to their vehicle. If they don't, then they are living under a rock.

[sudsmobile]

Great news. Not surprised at all by the outcome. Aren't you glad you didn't file a lien against their property or send them to collections?

[mmhammer]

Thanks man for the reply and advice! Spent around 15 hours on cleaning the interior froom the owner spilling 5 gallons for paint and sure as hell want my payment.

By the way, what do you use to remove paint from the carpet??