Certified Checks?
 

Do any of you require certified checks or do you wait until the client's check clears before handing over the portrait? I was burned many years ago by a good-sized check that bounced and I never was paid for the three portraits! I was just wondering how everyone else handles it.

Dear Michele,

I have always assumed that my clients are of a class that I would want them to be, even if there are indications to the contrary. I have never had a bad check to date. Even if I did, I feel it would take much more than one to make my payment policy change. Of course regular checks can be cancelled, and credit card charges reversed, so there is really no relief from the client who decides to steal from you.

By having a payment policy that gets you a decent, non-refundable up-front downpayment, and PAYMENT IN FULL UPON DELIVERY, this potentiality can be minimized. I can recall a situation where the portrait was a gift in honor of big birthday event; I had rearranged my schedule to make the deadline. The client came to pick up the painting and, oh, had no check, could it be mailed? I said I am sorry but that is not my business policy. If you would like, I will make you a photo of the finished painting and you may present this as a gift certicate. Wouldn't you know, I had a check in hand within 4 hours. Of course I had doubts about it being good, but it was.

It is rare that you find a situation where you know you will be taken advantage of up front, yet I find myself in this possibility right now. My choice is just to write it off, and I definitely feel this is so far out of the norm that I wouldn't change my policy of payment as a result. There is nothing to gain (except bad-mouthing) by pursuing this client of yours. In a larger sense, what does it matter? This client will never bring you the type of referral you want. You have gained by the experience of painting the portrait, and you are able to take the high road, from a class and mannered point of view. I do not mean to suggest that any of us should treat our business as anything less than a business.

To require 'cash' sorts of payments of clients sets up a strange type of barrier. Be a Saks instead of a Target. I really believe it is in your best long-range view.

Chris

Thanks, Chris. Good words of advice!