Patrick,

You are correct. However if I had a client who was a good payer, the first time they didn't pay as they always had I would assume that they are in trouble and be on the phone with them immediately to find out what they deal was.

And if they weren't forthcoming I would cut them off immediately. Better to get burned for a few hundred dollars than thousands.

There are always signs to watch for, and changing of the way a client pays or doesn't pay is a big one.

After being burned myself for vast amounts of money in earlier years, I watch my recievables like a hawk, in this day and age with all the postings about non payers it is wise to really keep track of your recievables on a weekly basis, that is what I do.

I was attacked a few years ago on SOT by someone who sent in a list of non-payers, 2 of which were clients of mine who I was having no payment problems with and I stuck up for both of those clients which is why I was attacked, it didn't stop me from continuing to post on SOT.

It takes courage and some, excuse my french, balls to be self employed and own a business, someone giving their opinion shouldn't stop others from posting.