Got Ripped Off

[Nate_Weller]

(Sorry if this is the wrong section)

So I recently did a web design job for someone through kijiji. I quoted it at about $200 and they agreed ($20 per page). I did 99.99% of the website and kept them updated through out the design process, and they returned all my emails enthusiastically with input and suggestions. When I had virtually finished the site, I emailed them letting them know that I had finished and if they needed anything else added to it, otherwise we could move on to payment and then upload to their hosting account (I keep all my work on my own domain until payment to prevent getting ripped off).

No response. I have sent them two more emails over the last month, neither with response.

So in short, I did $200 worth of work, received $0. There was no legal contract involved.

Is there anything I can do to receive payment? Or should I just move on.

 

[ronaldroe]

Nope. I mean, check the Kijiji ToS, but you're probably screwed. This is why all of my local clients sign a lawyer-reviewed contract, and the rest have to go through either guru.com or elance.

Did you deliver the site? If not, just keep trying to talk to them. If you have delivered the site, chalk it up to lessons learned.

 

[Frank]

My working method to prevent such things:

I split the total cost into four equal parts. The first quarter must be paid before I create the layout and bare but functional menu. The second and third quarter must be paid before I continue to fill in and dress up matters. And the fourth quarter must be paid before I transfer the site to the customer's domain. All the while, the customer can see the progress live on my site.

This may not sound customer-friendly, but when I explain to them that making layouts and multi-level menus can be a rather specialist job and that it is relatively easy to take off with the live pages, they understand. And if they don't, I don't wanna do business with them.

Having the customer sign a contract is a good thing, too, but starting a lawsuit or even having a lawyer write a letter to them is only worthwhile in case of very expensive sites, isn't it? I would therefore suggest to additionally use the PIA method (Pay In Advance).

 

[Phreaddee]

Sticky one that.
I have to say its not worth your while chasing it up, as it is only $200.
Chalk it up to experience. And franks suggestion is pretty good. Although id certainly suggest an upfront payment first.

Also and this may sound wierd, but the more you charge, the greater the chance you will see the $$$, and less likely that the client wont pay up.

Put simply a business outlaying $200 on a ten pager doesnt actually care too much or actually value the worth of a website, they'd probably throw that sort of amount at a crappy 1/4 page ad in the local rag, or twice that for a shithouse 30 second ad on radio airing at midnight for a week. They will also have the same disposable outlook towards you as well as im sure you are aware that is dirt cheap.

Tell me, if you go to a $2 shop, and buy something, anything and it doesnt work, you dont really care, “it was only $2!“ your initial percieved understanding of this item is that it was manufactured cheaply, and has a very short shelf life, if any.
You buy the same item, but from a department store for $30, and if it doesnt work, your pissed, your initial percieved understanding of this item is that it should work, its built better and “i want my money back!“

Irrespective of whether or not the two items are indeed EXACTLY the same. The point is percieved understanding of value. Take note, charge more, you wont get burnt twice.

 

[Janja]

Contracts are a must!!!!
http://speckyboy.com/2010/08/12/5-free-to-use-freelance-design-contract-templates/

Even though they don't always get you paid, at least you have something to go to small claims court with. Amounts under $500, I will have customers pay in advance.

I would try to send them a registered letter demanding payment and a past due penalty fee. I know, it might not help but that is the first step to show you are collecting evidence. If you know a lawyer, have him send a letter.
If nothing helps, go to the competition and offer them to buy the site....

 

[Frank]

Take note, charge more, you wont get burnt twice.

Me like!