I hired a Vendor last year to provide music services.

Anonymous

June 17,2023 at 3:01AM UTC

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I hired a Vendor last year to provide music services. The terms state that payment is due the 25th each month. A few months ago she asked if I could pay 2 weeks early. She's a nice person and I wanted to help her out as I figured she was probably having a temporary cash flow problem. So I paid early. However yesterday she asked if I could again pay early, in fact could I pay that same day. I didnt respond as I'm now wondering if this will become a pattern. Would appreciate your thoughts.

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AnonymousJune 17,2023 at 8:26AM UTC
I had this happen previously. The contractor came to me to actually ask for an advance on work she had not yet done as a contractor! She went into quite a lot of detail about how she needed the advance to help her daughter. It was too much and really crossed the line professionally. It seems this person needs to adhere to reasonable payment terms. Within ten days seems quick enough. Financial desperation may be very real and something many can relate to. But it is not a good look professionally.
Erin VegaJune 17,2023 at 8:22PM UTC
I have a feeling that not only will she continue to ask for earlier payment but she may eventually change the payment terms to the earlier day. A couple of options are instead of her asking every month ask her if the earlier date is more convenient for her payment (that is if the earlier payment date works for you as well). Or you send a brief email letting her know that no you can not send earlier payment and that she set her payment terms. That you have your bills set up to be paid on a schedule and would like to keep it that way. Finally, if you have no issues with earlier payment ask her what discount percent she is going to give you as most companies when wanting an earlier payment will add and incentive with a discount for earlier payment.
Liz MilneJune 18,2023 at 11:38PM UTC
Ask her why: it doesn't have to be antagonistic, just "Oh, pay you early again? Is there something going on, can I help in any way? Just wondering as the T&Cs state the 25th as your payment day. Is that no longer suitable for you?"
If she asks to change the date, make sure you're not going to lose out by it...
AnonymousJune 20,2023 at 7:15AM UTC
Asking "can I help in any way" might precipitate the Vendor asking for a loan. Given the seemingly desperate financial situation I would not ask if I could help in any way.
Liz MilneJune 20,2023 at 10:00PM UTC
Well, if she asks for a loan, the answer is no, OP's not a bank! But if the vendor has a large monthly bill and would find it easier if OP pays a week earlier all the time, then it's a simple fix for two happy parties?
AnonymousJune 19,2023 at 5:45PM UTC
If you have a contract send her back a note with a screenshot of the part where it has payment terms, and let her know that you are fine to honor the T&C of the contract but you are not in a position to pay early. Don't dodge it but be firm. You are not responsible for her financial shortcomings.
ReachingGoalsJune 20,2023 at 2:48PM UTC
You can simply say no. If you want to expand on that, which is not required, you can tell her that for audit purposes, you need to stick to the contract. Don’t get friendly, or ask about possible financial difficulties. And maybe start looking around for another vendor to provide this service if it is something you must have on a regular and dependable basis.
Shanna WilliamsJune 20,2023 at 3:44PM UTC
It sounds like she needs to reset her terms, since she is a service based contractor. If you are so inclined have her send her new terms in writing as of XX date. If you are not, you can tell her you cannot pay early.