I’m dealing with a deadbeat client at the moment who is hurting my business and am still trying the honey for flies tactics before I turn to vinegar. I’m real close to my limit though and this client is acting like the metallic green fly! They did this once to me in the past but redeemed themselves so I let my guard down. Shame on me for letting it happen again.

I’ve sent a few writers to Angela Hoy and they’ve all seen results from it. She does offer a great service.

As a Canadian though, I understand what you are saying though in general!

It’s the lack of universality in a virtual world that irks me most of all. Every time I see a “U.S. readers only” post, it’s exclusionary. I mean, I’d love to turn my blog 100% Canadian, but how many readers would love me then?

Please visit her website and do a search for the article on the website for further info.

James and Kathy – I am Canadian but I write for mostly US publications … therefore, this approach can be used. You can adapt this approach to Canadians as well – by just using the organizations that are applicable to Canadians.

Since we’re all writers, maybe we should practice what we preach and not steal it.

@James, yeah, I admit that as an American my suggestions are skewed toward us USians. I haven’t had a need to explore my collection options in Canada or elsewhere, but I know if anyone can dig up some solid advice it’s you. And I live and (hopefully) die by principle, so these efforts are definitely worth it to me. If we’re talking purely economic benefit here, then yes, your point is well taken.

@Ann, I don’t like to get the police involved unless it’s a substantial amount of money, but from personal experience, I can tell you that an FBI Internet Fraud complaint will result in a call from your local sheriff. How much effort s/he then puts forth on your behalf is questionable. As for Laray Carr, I believe he was using a false identity. Most clients reveal their real names and are therefore much easier to track down.

@Laurel, YES, an upfront deposit is the smartest move you can make as a freelancer.

@Matt, The BBB advice is more a scratching-the-back-of-future-dupees strategy. Some BBBs will take action on collection issues; others will not. They will, however, put all complaints into the company’s file (assuming, as you point out, they have one). Then when someone else investigates that company, s/he at least knows another person experienced trouble. I love your alternative suggestions though and will be taking note of them.

@Ann G., Excellent advice for instances where you can track down your work online!

@David, I haven’t regretted a single “Screw You!” yet, but to each his own. What I will concede to is that it’s not smart to badmouth people until you’ve run the full course of common courtesy tactics.

Thank you, Scribette, Erika and David, for seeing that my motivation with my hardnosing isn’t purely self-centered.

@Scribette, I had no idea Angela advocated many of the same techniques I do. It’s good to know I’m on the right track because I consider Angela an expert in this field.