collecting payments

[DGPEAKE@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 1/5/00 4:06:09 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
cedel@supernet.com writes:

<< Cameron Jacobi wrote:
 
 > I am a piano technician in Great Neck, NY, servicing
 > homes, schools, churches and organizations, ie.
 > theater groups, arts councils, etc.  When I tune for
 > schools, churches or theaters I have to send or leave
 > bills for services performed and wait for payment.  I
 > am considering printing payment terms on my bills,
 > specifying a time frame and a penalty if that time
 > frame is not met.  What are generally accepted terms
 > in the piano service business?
 
  >>

I always have on the bottom of my computerized invoice: "Please render 
balance within net terms" There is a box at the top to say what the terms 
are. Most of the time the terms are C.O.D., meaning pay as soon as the 
service is completed.  For institutions that need to be put on account, terms 
indicate: net 14 days, 30 days, or whatever.  You have a right to charge 
penalty or interest if the terms are violated.  

I had a cell phone company who I am no longer with, charge an automatic $10 
even if the payment was received 1 day late.  I am not saying you need be 
that strict, but in the spirit of it all, why should we be any different?

Dave Peake, RPT
Portland Chapter
Oregon City, OR