Great people here but be careful...

**n/a** · 06-05-2008 09:48 AM

I have been ripped off by a former member of this forum.

After successfully designing 2 logos for this individual I then sent an invoice. They were already using these logos on there websites. A month went buy sent a reminder... Response..."OH sorry I thought I told my secretary to pay that invoice for me"

Ok fine... I wait 2 months slowly sending reminders...

"oh I just got back from London sorry"

Now 2 months later still no response or communication.

I then goggled this persons name and found out they had some trouble with the law with scamming people out of money for scholarships.

I am a smart business woman but I did not see this coming. This person paid me for a project before so I let my guard down thinking he was reliable. Google told me wrong.

Just make sure BEEEFORE you do business with anyone on here that you google them or talk with them or the phone or MAKE A CONTRACT so that you can legally get what you worked for.

**Mega B** · 06-05-2008 09:55 AM

Sorry to hear the bad news.

**n/a** · 06-05-2008 09:57 AM

yes we all need to learn our lessons.

I wish it was a world when you were a 5 year old girl and everyone could be trusted.

Its just not that way in the real world we have to be smart and think a few steps ahead.

**Charles of 5DPI** · 06-05-2008 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by lamarsh

yes we all need to learn our lessons.

I wish it was a world when you were a 5 year old girl and everyone could be trusted.

Its just not that way in the real world we have to be smart and think a few steps ahead.

I hate to say this, but in business you can't trust anyone. Covering bases and having everything written on paper is standard protocol.

Since I hate contracts, I require 50% up front and just have them sign the invoice.

**n/a** · 06-05-2008 05:58 PM

yes thats what I do now

**jayrobinson15** · 06-06-2008 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by lamarsh

yes we all need to learn our lessons.

I wish it was a world when you were a 5 year old girl and everyone could be trusted.

Its just not that way in the real world we have to be smart and think a few steps ahead.

I have learned my lessons the hard way, and the expensive way, so I would highly recommend to anyone dealing with people on an individual basis like this, on this forum or not, that you do your homework and be extremely careful. It's sad to say, but especially when it comes to business, trust no one.

**n/a** · 06-06-2008 09:36 AM

yeah and the scary thing was he successful paid me for a design awhile back so it goes to show even if you start to trust someone just be careful

**earlytimes** · 06-06-2008 09:55 AM

I am sorry that happpened and that scumbags are even out there like that.I am new to the group as of 5 minutes. I do not own my own business yet but I have ideas that I have not done anythingabout so joining this group is a start. Cheers - Josh, Raleigh, NC

**Yiie** · 06-11-2008 07:01 PM

That sucks, sorry to hear! I had someone who expressed interest in stocking my products at her shop. The convo went on back and forth for about a month and when it came to paying- no emails, no returned calls and no payment.

**Jay Brass** · 06-12-2008 06:28 AM

Thanks for the heads up! Yeah, I always make sure there's a contract written up beforehand.

**Dale King** · 06-12-2008 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by lamarsh

I have been ripped off by a former member of this forum.

After successfully designing 2 logos for this individual I then sent an invoice. They were already using these logos on there websites. A month went buy sent a reminder... Response..."OH sorry I thought I told my secretary to pay that invoice for me"

Ok fine... I wait 2 months slowly sending reminders...

"oh I just got back from London sorry"

Now 2 months later still no response or communication.

I then goggled this persons name and found out they had some trouble with the law with scamming people out of money for scholarships.

I am a smart business woman but I did not see this coming. This person paid me for a project before so I let my guard down thinking he was reliable. Google told me wrong.

Just make sure BEEEFORE you do business with anyone on here that you google them or talk with them or the phone or MAKE A CONTRACT so that you can legally get what you worked for.

Sorry to hear that, but I have a simple way of avoiding getting ripped-off. I ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS collect full payment upfront, before I do any work. No exceptions.

Dale King