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Why You Need a Well-Written Contract

By Michael Stone

A client decided to change the rules of their contract. She decided not to pay the full amount or on time as the contract specified.


Asking for a Lien Release Prior to Payment

By Michael Stone

A specialty contractor said, "A general contractor called and asked me to send a lien release. If I do that, he will send a check for what he owes me."


Sending Invoices for Construction or Handyman Work

By Michael Stone

Invoicing is one way clients delay paying. "Thanks for doing that work, send me an invoice, okay?" Why do contractors agree? Maybe they believe everyone does it.


Getting Paid

By Michael Stone

If the payment schedule is adjusted after you’ve started a job and they aren’t willing to pay what’s owed, file liens. You must protect your right to be paid.


Payment Schedules on Small Jobs

By Michael Stone

It’s important to manage the payment schedule on your jobs, but not all jobs are the same.


Dishonest Clients; Collecting the Final Payment

By Michael Stone

How do you deal with a dishonest client? I recently corresponded with a contractor concerning this issue.


Payment Methods

By Michael Stone

I don’t think writing a check is old fashioned, but there are so many advantages to using a credit or debit card that it’s become the preferred payment method for many.


Business or Charity?

By Michael Stone

If you’re a business owner and take on a project out of the goodness of your heart, recognize you might not get paid and will be funding the project.


Contracts Matter; Collecting Final Payment

By Michael Stone

When you provide a dishonest client a cost breakdown of their job, things can go wrong.


Changing the Terms of the Contract

By Michael Stone

Why do clients enter a contract and then think they can unilaterally change the terms?


Renegotiating the Price

By Michael Stone

How should you respond when a client wants to change the price AFTER the job has started?


Provide a Service, Make a Profit

By Michael Stone

A young businessman called. He was in a state of shock after checking his books over the weekend and found over $11,000 in receivables, much of it over 30 days.


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