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  4. Client just stiffed me out of $1850

Client just stiffed me out of $1850


8 years 1 month ago #475350 by Joe Peterson
I have a client who just before the holidays (November 17, 2015) had me photograph him and his new finance for 3 days.  He had me follow them around town and taking photos of them at various different locations from city shots, coffee shops, walking down streets, you name.  The type of photos was across the board.  

Last day, he paid the remaining balance with a starter check to Wells Fargo bank.  Check number is #104.    He asked for digital files, so I sent them to him. 

I've been trying to reach this guy since, because the check bounced!  Then I found out the account was closed.  Furthermore, I have just learned he has moved back to Germany!  

I don't understand why people take advantage of others.  Come on, if you can't pay for something, don't waste my time!  What a PITA these past months have been.  
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8 years 1 month ago #475355 by effron
Essentially, you delivered the product prior to getting paid. That sucks, but it seems this idiot saw you coming. If the money matters, maybe its time to contact a lawyer, bouncing a check is a crime, in Germany or not....
Why so serious?
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8 years 1 month ago #475358 by Joe Peterson
Yeah I know, big learning lesson. Can a lawyer has jurisdiction to someone out of country?  
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8 years 1 month ago - 8 years 1 month ago #475361 by icepics
Don't know what you can do if the client is no longer in the US; I suppose you'd have to consult with a lawyer. Probably depends on if legal costs will be more or less than what you're owed if it would be worth pursuing.

Better to be getting paid before doing shoots, and if you do allow payments make sure the final check clears before sending the photos.

There are business resources for photographers thru http://asmp.org and PPA.
Sharon
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8 years 1 month ago #475363 by Joe Peterson
Thank you for the advise.  This has definitely been a learning point.  
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8 years 1 month ago #475426 by Chris Curran
Germany has tough laws, I would contact an international lawyer out of Germany.  I'd bet this could be cleaned up pretty quick.  They are most likely thinking they are there, and you are here.  When they see you have a lawyer hired in Germany, they will know you mean to collect your money!  
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8 years 1 month ago #475456 by Roger Lang

Chris Curran wrote: Germany has tough laws, I would contact an international lawyer out of Germany.  I'd bet this could be cleaned up pretty quick.  They are most likely thinking they are there, and you are here.  When they see you have a lawyer hired in Germany, they will know you mean to collect your money!  



Good point :goodpost:
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8 years 1 month ago #475469 by Randy Shaw
So if you fly to Germany to kick their butts for stiffing you like this, is that flight tax deductible? :rofl:
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8 years 1 month ago #475482 by Joves
You might try searching for the images online. To see if they are using them for anything. Also I would have gotten a hold of the attorney general in your state to see if they did this to others.
I hate to say it, but the best life lessons are learned the hard way. I would never take a starter check, and I would never clear, or send any images until the check cleared. But you know that now. Also in your contract you now need to state that no images will be released until payment is verified.
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8 years 1 month ago #475504 by Sarah Ramirez
Unfortunate situation, so sorry! Although hiring an attorney is an option, you'd probably spend more on legal fees than what you'd recoup. Might just have to chalk this one up to ensuring payment clears before you release the goods.
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8 years 1 month ago #475515 by plymouthcards

Chris Curran wrote: Germany has tough laws, I would contact an international lawyer out of Germany.  I'd bet this could be cleaned up pretty quick.  They are most likely thinking they are there, and you are here.  When they see you have a lawyer hired in Germany, they will know you mean to collect your money!  


This would definitely be worth a call/email. There may even be an international lawyer in your area that could help. Sorry this happened to you.
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8 years 1 month ago #475528 by Tim Burg

Randy Shaw wrote: So if you fly to Germany to kick their butts for stiffing you like this, is that flight tax deductible? :rofl:



Imagine what the tax guy would say at the end of the year!  LOL
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8 years 1 month ago #475590 by The Gardener
When it comes to buying on Craigslist, I don't give cash till I have tested what ever it is that I'm buying.  If that isn't possible at time, then I will delay purchase till I can.  Just how it needs to be when you have no verification system in place. 
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8 years 1 month ago #475601 by msmith55
Good reason to no longer accept checks, right? Sorry you had to experience this. Not a pleasant feeling at all.
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8 years 1 month ago #475655 by Fiesta!
OMG I would be furious!  
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