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Didn't get paid by your client? Add them to sh!tlist(theshitlist.org)

6 years ago from Ketan Anjaria, Founder • HireClub

  • Ketan Anjaria, 6 years ago

    What happens after legal routes are exhausted? What happens if you work in smaller numbers like $500 which might be everything to you but nothing to the client? There are very few legal recourses for smaller players. Not everyone can afford the legal route.

    4 points
    • Account deleted 6 years ago

      I do understand your point. But when the client is unprofessional by not paying their bills, it doesn't mean we should then drop to being unprofessional by posting their details on a site like this.

      When I've been owed money (smaller numbers, lower than $500) and not had anything from the client, I've gone direct to them. Put myself in a situation where they must speak to me and can't avoid speaking to me. But at the same time staying professional and respectful. A lot of the time, when on the spot, they come out with a whole heap of excuses, but then pay.

      Its very easy for them to avoid an email, a phone call. But if you turn up to their office, its a lot harder to ignore you.

      How do you know the client isn't having issues of their own? They could be in a situation thats out of their hands, which unfortunately has then filtered down to your invoice not getting paid. Its then a dick move to post them on "the shit list".

      2 points
      • Ketan Anjaria, 6 years ago

        I don't think people are saying as soon as someone is unpaid you go directly here. It's about after you tried and exhausted all other means. The dick move is not posting to shit list, but the client not paying you. Your best case scenario is admirable but we all know business doesn't always work like that.

        1 point
        • Account deleted 6 years ago

          Of course not. This was an example of something that could be tried.

          Say you work within a certain city. You don't get paid $2000. Its been 18 months. You've tried emails and phone calls... no joy. You've tried face to face... no joy. You've tried legal... no joy. You see no other ways of trying to get paid that $2000.

          You post the clients details on theshitlist.org.

          Is it worth risking your reputation as a professional over that $2000 lost?

          A new client who is local to your area, may be looking to hire someone for a $10,000 job, but may avoid you as they've heard or seen that you post on a site called the shit list naming and shaming past clients. They won't know the circumstances, just that you post on a negative site about clients.

          Personally I'd rather take the loss, figure how I can minimize the risk of a loss on future projects and get over it.

          2 points
    • James Young, 6 years ago

      In the UK we have Small Claims Court for smaller amounts. I assume other countries would have similar setups for just this sort of thing.

      The fees for making a claim are low and often the threat of making a claim has been enough for me to get payment in the past but it's an option if truly necessary.

      I'd always be wary of these kinds of shitlist even for the very worst clients - you literally have no idea what sort of legal ramifications there are from posting up these sorts of things.

      0 points