Famous client VS paying client

[MtraX]

What, I ask myself is the balance between keeping a client which is GREAT for public relations and not paying and sending them to all HELL and doing smaller jobs, which at least pays the bills?

This is a strategic question to which I would dearly like to have the answer, in plain English. It makes sense to keep them and promoting the sites yourself as much as possible - for what? To generate them more sales? In the end the small design company will bite the dust and advertising agencies and corporate clients which affords 60 days plus to make payments (reaping the interest of pooled money) sit back and enjoy the luxuries thereof.

Anyone out there with some proven strategies?

[Kilawa]

Famous clients don't put food on the table, I think it's as simple as that.. However if you can get a mixture of both (famous and paying clients) that's obviously the ideal.

[Orion]

Not 100% on the situation but here's my thoughts and experiences...

1. Famous client is billed but not paying bills: Send them to collections if they're a big business that's just normal to them and they usually don't take offense. If they aren't I don't care, they won't be big for long with business practises like that. If you want to keep them offer them an alternative or payment plan first.

2. You agreed to do the site for the famous client 'back when' either pro-bono or for very little, and now you've grown and can't afford the time etc. We had this one with a couple of our better known clients. Over time we've begun requesting payment for updates, and maintenance etc. They were very accepting of the arrangement.

Only other thing is see if you can justify how much business having 'them' on your portfolio is worth to you, or possibly direct referral business they've given you. maybe it would be worth it.

Good luck, it can be a hard call but always remember business is business and there's lots of fish in the sea!

[Orion]

If the famous client is a not for profit outfit...

Submit the bill for a tax receipt! A write off can be a good as cash in the bank! LOL

[altyfc]

Businesses exist (or should exist) to make money. Go for the paying client any day.

Aaron