How to remind customers to pay for a detail.

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Maestro Sam

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So I detail from home and one of my female customers had their husband picked up their cars for them when the job was completed. The husband told me that his wife will pay for the job. Keep in mind that the wife texted me her address to pick up her husband at their house after the job was done, which I did. It has been a half a day since the job was completed and I have not received payment nor a text back from the wife. I texted the women my PayPal information. Should I wait a little bit longer for her to get back to me or give her a personal call? What is a nice way to remind her again?
Thanks
 
Give them a full day, then send them a text or email (whichever you had been using as primary contact).

Something like:

Hi Judy, I wanted to follow up after detailing you car yesterday to ensure you haven't found anything that needs additional attention. Also, I haven't seen payment come through on my paypal yet. As a reminder, the total was $xxx and the account is [email protected]
 
Thanks Audios that is a perfect response! Still learning how to deal with customers on a daily basis for different situations like these. Wanted to be extra nice and at the same not, not hassle them for the payment. Perfect anwser!
 
Its unfortunate the customer put you in that situation however, never short yourself and don't be afraid to request what you are due. I would send a friendly text reminding the customer of the promised payment that you have not received. I would also mention that you have their address and if they would like you could stop by and take payment (basically a reminder saying, hey I know where you live). In the future I would not relinquish their keys until payment has been received unless they are not happy with the work, but that doesn't seem to be the issue here......you also have to may it easier to receive that payment, my Square POS has been great, swipe, insert, or tap....doesen't get any easier.
 
jkrig said:
Its unfortunate the customer put you in that situation however, never short yourself and don't be afraid to request what you are due. I would send a friendly text reminding the customer of the promised payment that you have not received. I would also mention that you have their address and if they would like you could stop by and take payment (basically a reminder saying, hey I know where you live). In the future I would not relinquish their keys until payment has been received unless they are not happy with the work, but that doesn't seem to be the issue here......you also have to may it easier to receive that payment, my Square POS has been great, swipe, insert, or tap....doesen't get any easier.
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Thanks man for the reply and advice! Spent around 15 hours on cleaning the interior froom the owner spilling 5 gallons for paint and sure as hell want my payment.
 
As someone who is always looking to pay for repairs on the spot in cash, I would feel very guilty/embarrassed not having paid. Some people may get offended by you asking for the money, especially if it is something that was simply forgotten. I’m not one of those people, some people get offended very easily if you even suggest that they are going to skip payment. Probably, the same type of person who knows they didn’t pay and will never pay unless asked. Not saying this is your customer, but there are a lot out there.

I would skip asking for the payment for a few days, unless you absolutely need the money. Send a text as suggested, asking how they like the detail and if there were any areas of concern. If they respond I would converse with them and see if they bring up the payment. If no response, or no mention of money send them an invoice in the mail.

Let us know how this ends. Wow! 15 hrs, I’d want payment too!
 
There are sure as *&^^ people who do not pay. However, if the person is valuing you and the time spent, Id be polite and give it a day or 2 and remind them. I think it is fair to not pay for jobs totally up front as I tend to look at detailing alot like contracting work.
 
If you use Paypal Business to send invoices you can send a reminder. I do it every 24 hours. Usually only takes one reminder for me.

But I agree with everyone else, just wait a day and send a friendly reminder.

I tell every customer I accept cards with Square card reader, Paypal Business (card and chip reader), checks and cash to make their payment as convenient as possible.
 
Send a note to the owner asking if they're happy with the service and that if they aren't, you will gladly return the paint to their carpet.
 
Maestro, Sir:

I say: unless they have remitted payment,
in full, by the end of the next Business Day...

You should inform them that the next time
that you conduct Beethoven's 9th: “Victor”
will be the thumping their gourds—in lieu
of the timpanis!

Just a thought...



Bob
 
Customer was really really pleased with the work. I have a 5 star rating with 40+ reviews on yelp. I don't think she was displeased since I make sure all dirt, even one piece of sand is removed from interior details. She texted me this morning around 11 a.m. saying that I did a wonderful job and her husband will pay. Still waiting and it is 6 p.m. lol
 
Maestro Sam said:
The husband told me that his wife will pay
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Maestro Sam said:
She texted me this morning around 11 a.m. saying her husband will pay.
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So what’s the problem?lol. J/k.

Stop worrying about it and call her tomorrow or the next day and remind her that her husband didn’t pay you the money and you’re just calling to see when you can pick it up.
 
I personally don't give them the keys till I have the cash in my hand. It's sad you have to remind people but if you don't they see just going to hope you "forgot"

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
 
Cleankat said:
I personally don't give them the keys till I have the cash in my hand. It's sad you have to remind people but if you don't they see just going to hope you "forgot"

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
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I agree, this is a service business, you pay at the time the service is rendered. I don't go to my barbers and after she's done say I'll pay you later, or better yet my wife will drop by sometime and pay you. I don't go to the car dealership for service and say I'll catch you in a few days and drive away in my car. Why should this business be any different.
 
I'm sure this varies by state but what are our rights as detailers if someone doesn't pay?
I have a feeling we would loose a lot of our rights after the vehicle is given back to the customer. I was told I have the right to keep a customers keys until they pay.
Luckily I've never had any issues with people not paying but it has been something that has always been in the back of my mind
 
I wonder if they would accept that type of explanation from their boss. They work and they expect to get paid on their jobs and so should you. I would call Judge Judy.
 
custmsprty said:
I agree, this is a service business, you pay at the time the service is rendered. I don't go to my barbers and after she's done say I'll pay you later, or better yet my wife will drop by sometime and pay you. I don't go to the car dealership for service and say I'll catch you in a few days and drive away in my car. Why should this business be any different.
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Bingo. This isn't a mortgage payment with a grace period. Work is done, pay the bill. Now.
 
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