AIBU to ask for payment now?

[Hoople]

I look after people's dogs when they go away. Only now and again and I have a few regulars who always come back to me because they have total peace of mind that their dog will be treated like one of the family. I only have one dog at any one time

One of my regulars has just left their dog with me for over a fortnight at a total cost of £224. He picked him up on Saturday evening at 7pm and said he'd 'try and send payment through in the morning.' It's now 36 hours past Sunday morning and he hasn't paid

Now I wouldn't usually be too worried about this but this regular has form for taking a while to pay and I usually have to send an awkward reminder text. Sometimes two or three. This isn't an issue when the money owed is 30 odd quid but this has been a long chunk of time that I had his dog and the money owed is over £200.

Do I leave it longer? How long? It's been 48 hours since he collected his dog. Or do I send a text now?

God I find this stuff so awkward. All my other regulars pay immediately or within an hour or two. It's only pressing a few buttons to make a transfer isn't it?

WWYD?

[Berthatydfil]

I would text him to request the mone. Then I would change my terms and conditions and notify all my regulars and update my website or fb etc (whatever you use to promote your business)
No boarders will be taken without an advance payment of 50% of total planned fee, to be received in cash on the day or preferably by bank transfer 24hrs before.
Sorry with this I'll try to pay nonsense would he leave Tesco with his shopping saying he will try to pay tomorrow - of course not. He's taking the piss.

[Judashascomeintosomemoney]

I use people like you i.e. dog lovers who I know will give my two a home from home and I always tell them I'll pay half up front even though they don't ask because, as you said, I prioritise them being well cared for. I think it sounds like he doesn't take you seriously as a 'business' and for some reason sees it as him doing you a favour by paying - eventually!

[RiotAndAlarum]

Jusr because you're doing a thing which seems friendly and loving - looking after a dog - it doesn't mean that is the entire and only basis for the arrangement! Enjoying being with dogs is a minimum requirement (I wouldn't do it!), but unless he's looking after your dogs in return, this is a business and there should be no awkwardness. (Good instinct, by the way, to think you'd rather like to lose him as a "client"!)

[Mummaofboys]

You should really ask for full payment up front when dealing with this type of business, it's not rude to ask for the money owed it's rude of him for putting you in this situation. In future I really think when people ask for your services you should make it clear it has to be payment on the day their dog is being dropped off.

[BatFacedGirl]

Judas - that's spot on. He does see me like someone he can just not give a second thought to. 'Business' is too strong for what I do. My real business is a world away but like I said, I like dogs, as a family we love having one so I've kept a handful of regulars. His dog loves coming here and he knows this as he can see it!

I'm twitchy as it's not the usual 30/40 quid. I nearly lost the plot late last year when he owed me for a few days and I had to text him possibly three times. He'd just say ' sorry, I'll do it later.'

So rude

[Mum2OneTeen]

Gosh OP, what a wonderful service you provide. I wish you lived near me to lovingly care for our dog when we go away.

Hope you get paid soon. I agree with others who suggest payment up front in future.

[BatFacedGirl]

Mum- it's is a nice service even if I do say so myself! We adore dogs but don't want the commitment - and also I'm too house proud and can't stand the mess and smell It's absolutely no problem for a short while though! I also like all the different breeds of dogs and it's fun for the kids. Works well

Err when people pay me and I don't have to feel all awkward. I like his dog though (he's an old fella of 13 but behaves like a puppy!) so I'd ideally like to keep having him as and when

[BatFacedGirl]

It's me by the way... not a fail, I've just gone back to my old user name ...

[JonSnowsWhore]

Definitely text asap, don't end up like me & 6 weeks later have to be threatening to delete people's wedding photos because they still haven't paid you

[Rainbunny]

I board my dog every now and then and I always pay in advance - it's expected. I appreciate this situation is a bit awkward but I would change your business policy after this and send an email to all your clients and/or update your website with a notice of change in payment policy, effective immediately boarding (kennel) fees must be paid for at the time of reservation. It shouldn't be awkward as it would be the policy across the board. I'm sure you can work around it for good customers/emergencies but I wouldn't advertise that bit.

[emmyrose2000]

I would text today. I wouldn't mention not being available again before you receive payment in case he adopts the attitude of "up yours, well I won't pay at all then". Get the money first and then refuse to do work for him again.

From now on, insist on 50% payment upfront before starting the job.

[Ellieboolou27]

Money up front! My dog sitter is paid up front, I don't go on holiday and pay once I've returned, I think it's rude!

[HurryUpAndWait]

You aren't his friend. You're a 'company' waiting to be paid by an unreliable client.

Send the awkward reminder then another 12 hours later. In future, ask to be paid before the work.


I used to be like you and after being fobbed off to the tune of thousands of pounds, I became a hard er -nosed bitch in business.

[mummmy2017]

Send him a message.

Dear MR X.
Please can you pay me the money you owe for me looking after your dear dog.....
Also I would like to point out that in future it will be payment in advance, as it cost me to feed your dog and i dislike having to chase payment.

[eddielizzard]

i would send daily reminds and then wouldn't accept his business anymore. he's being an arse.

[Scrumptiousbears]

Good text. I was also going to say if they book again tell them is all up front from now on.

[CeeceeBloomingdale]

I would just text something like hope you enjoyed your break, Shep seemed pleased to see you. please arrange payment for Shep's boarding by Friday. Regards

[Kailoer]

You're running this as a business

So put your big girl professional pants on and deal with it as you'd expect if you were employing a nanny, a plumber or a dog sitter yourself

Get a deposit in future

Frame is as "to secure the booking from other customers" if you don't like saying "because a deposit is reasonable" - 99% if customers will be expecting it anyway

Good luvk

[Cailleach666]

Why do you hate it?

Your client is quite happy keeping you dangling - he isn't cringing one bit.

This is business.

You need to make your terms clearer.
Something like 50% to be paid on drop off, the rest to be paid when dog is picked up.
Otherwise you don't provide the service again.

I think you are being a bit soft.

[Procrastination4]

Totally agree with Cailleach666 that you should look for 50%at drop off. I use a "dog hotel" for my dog (he's a rescue, and I don't want him somewhere that looks like the dog pound he came from) and the rule there is that you pay the entire amount due before you drop off your dog. So, 50% for the fantastic service YOU'RE providing is a brilliant deal for the owners. I wish there was a service like that near me!

[ThePants999]

+1 for the late payment fee idea. Your other regulars won't care, but it should make this guy buck up.

[5rivers7hills]

The reminder text doesn't have to be awkward BTW - "Hi Alf, quick reminder to please pay the £x today to bank details xxxxx. Thank you."

[PurpleWithRed]

For the future with slow paying clients you could increase your price slightly but offer a discount for upfront or on time payment. Looks like a bargain but benefits you. And do you get anything in writing from clients when they drop their dog off?

[DontOpenDeadInside]

I usually send "Just a quick reminder for payment please". Not too aggressive but reminds them. If still not paid I add "another" into it, makes them feel guilty (I'm guessing as they usually pay then)

[ItsNachoCheese]

When i put my dog into the kennels i use for him i have to pay before i can leave him, why should it be any different here? I hope you get your money asap