Collecting payment due

pacbowl

I've been doing some computer side work for a friends business over the past 2 years or so without asking for any sort of payment, and I was fine with it (something we won't get into here). 2 weeks ago she said she felt really bad about not paying for my time and insisted that I give her some sort of invoice so she would could have her accountant cut me a check. We both agreed on a set rate and the number of hours I put in, so I wrote up a very informal invoice and emailed it to her. She said she got it and would have her accountant cut me a check, but did not say when. The total amount of the work came out to about $700.

This was 2 weeks ago. I haven't heard from her since, so 4 days ago I emailed/txt'd asking if she was going to snail-mail it to me or if it would be easier for me to go pick it up. Still no reply.

So I ask H/A, how long would you wait before getting uppity about collecting? I know there's no "legal" recourse, and I don't want to take it that far anyway, but I do want to let her know that telling me she's going to pay then blowing me off isn't cool, I just don't want to do it too soon. I could really use the money right now.

I don't think it needs to be said that If she calls again for more computer work, I already plan on telling her I want the check in my hand before I do anything else.

wasted pixels

The typical window on paying an invoice like that (if you didn't specify net 15) is 30 to 45 days. I wouldn't get too passive-aggressive about it yet.

Crashtard

Like wasted said, 30-45 is pretty standard. On the other hand, you said you weren't worried about getting paid. If a check doesn't come then it seems to solve that problem.

pacbowl

Got it. I was hoping to have some extra xmas money but knowing her she'll wait out the full 45 days, or forget about the check and call me in 2 months asking for more computer work.

This can be locked.