I do contract work and own a cleaning LLC. Just got off the phone with my biggest client because he’s been underpaying me. It sucks. I feel like I’ve been taken advantage of and it’s definitely a lesson learned on my part.
My question is, is it normal for everyone to try to screw you over? Should I require every single client to sign a contract?
I didn’t originally because me and this guy used to work maintenance together. He taught me everything and was almost like a father figure. I let my guard down and got burned.
Sorry if my writing is a little jumbled. I’m not used to these sort of conversations with people and the entire thing just feels slimy and gross. I hope most people are not like this.
In business, it’s a little bit like the far-west. People are after your money and their are only a few rules.
So yes, do get used to having challenging conversations, otherwise, people will try to bully you. It doesn’t mean being rude, but rather be very clear about you expect and when to step out.
Oh man… I’ve been here so many times. You WILL lose clients, you WILL gain clients. The difference between the ones you lost and the ones you gain will be when you invest in the contract, and hold them to it. If they try to fuck you over, and they will, be prepared to show the contract and fight for it. As long as you hold up your end of the bargain they will have to also. Remember - you don’t want to work for anyone who does not value you, move on quickly and get new locked in clients. I strive to constantly do better so that I never lose another client, but some relationships are just not worth it.
Yes exactly. It was a hard lesson to learn I guess, I’m sorry for you.
To be honest, in some cases, it’s not even that people are dishonest. It happened a lot that they simply forget, bc things weren’t put on paper.
So please, document everything and indeed require every client to sign a contract
Don’t risk more than you’re willing to lose but even contracts don’t fully protect you.
Some you win some you lose, most are normal
Yes, unfortunately it is normal and most people are pushing their own agenda. Always have a contract. Everyone who has ignored my advice on this has regretted it. It’s not personal, it’s business. And at the end of the day, the only person you can count on is YOU.
Also my experience. Interestingly, in recent years, this has gotten worse. Wondering why.
Should I require every single client to sign a contract?
You don’t? Well, you should.
when i did pool cleaning i thought it was hilarious that my boss had a lawyer and made everyone sign contracts… that shit would save him at bare minimum once a year. from people that he’s been working for, for over ten years. crazy.
Ok one it is super normal for people to snake u and u should get the contract since it is a safer option but it’s your choice since everything in life is your choice but remember find ways to be an anti snake.example You earn their trust and then they will think whether to snake u or not
is it normal for everyone to try to screw you over?
There are plenty of honest people, but it’s pretty common for people to try to screw you over
Should I require every single client to sign a contract?
Yes
How can they underpay you. They pay whatever the contract says. You sue them if they don’t pay.
I owned a cleaning company. The worst part was when a client decided to just not pay, as in F-U, you’re just the cleaning company. I took 3 to court and got 3 judgements, one settled the day before court and 2 others were contentious dealings without suing.
*if you are truly my friend, you would understand we need to sign a contract not only for my protection, but for yours as well*
This guy taught you everything and now you’re mad that he’s underpaying you??? Man the ungratefulness of people never ceases to surprise me
Always issue every client with a contract and keep at least 3 signed copies.
Be sure to specify your hourly/daily/weekend rates and any late payment fees the law of your state or nation allow you to charge late payers.