Why is it so hard to collect money from black people?


jsupop33

jsupop33

Loyalty & Respect
When I was in undergrad, two of my graphic design professors told us that we would need two contracts in the real world, 1 for black folks and 1 for everyone else. They told horror stories of dealing with people, churches and businesses.

I should have listened. Man, I have the hardest time collecting money from our people when doing graphic design work and folks cop attitudes when you ask for atleast half up-front. Once, I had these cats trying to start a record label ask me to create them a logo. They never paid me but hit me up two months later asking me to create a flyer using the logo I made for them.

I just did some campaign flyers for a guy running for office in VA and the guy basically started having his white female assistant to hit me to ask me about making changes because he hasn't came through on his payments. One of homeboys is a personal trainer and he complains about the same thing.
 
We're broke! :emlaugh:

It could be that we are trying to budget crunch, and the things we want exceed our financial realities. From the one on government assistance, to the noveau rich, we have often exceeded our budgets. Now there are many who are in those same groups, and show greater restraint and pay what they are owed faithfully. It is not a phenomenon unique to black people. That's just who we conduct business deals with the most. Plenty people of all races have overspent, and have trouble paying money they owe.

Plus, as must as I hate to admit it, we do not have the capital some other groups have, and either not educated in finance and organization, or have no interest in doing so. Henceforth, Mr. Hales being stiffed on money owed to him for the services he provided.
 
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jsupop33 said:
When I was in undergrad, two of my graphic design professors told us that we would need two contracts in the real world, 1 for black folks and 1 for everyone else. They told horror stories of dealing with people, churches and businesses.

I should have listened. Man, I have the hardest time collecting money from our people when doing graphic design work and folks cop attitudes when you ask for atleast half up-front. Once, I had these cats trying to start a record label ask me to create them a logo. They never paid me but hit me up two months later asking me to create a flyer using the logo I made for them.

I just did some campaign flyers for a guy running for office in VA and the guy basically started having his white female assistant to hit me to ask me about making changes because he hasn't came through on his payments. One of homeboys is a personal trainer and he complains about the same thing.
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Another thing you can do is simply stop performing services for them.
 
I agree with you Jag...champagne tastes and beer budgets...and Lawd knows if you do one little thing for free...they will spread your name around like you the next coming of the Messiah....but you demand your money, You'll become "She ain't about shit" in a heartbeat. I want the paying folks and I learned in private practice how to talk money from the door...if they leave fully knowing that I'm expecting my money and want half up front since you want me to do everything and the kitchen sink to save Pookie, I'm not mad.
 
chocalate_topaz said:
I agree with you Jag...champagne tastes and beer budgets...and Lawd knows if you do one little thing for free...they will spread your name around like you the next coming of the Messiah....but you demand your money, You'll become "She ain't about shit" in a heartbeat. I want the paying folks and I learned in private practice how to talk money from the door...if they leave fully knowing that I'm expecting my money and want half up front since you want me to do everything and the kitchen sink to save Pookie, I'm not mad.
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I know that's right! :tup: People will try to play you for a fool.
 
How about those that want something for nothing or try to sqeeze more out of you after you have quoted a cost.

I did some pictures for a local dance group. Made it simple for them since I knew they were just getting off their feet. 2 5X7's, 1 8X10 and 8 Wallets. $30. Took the pics, printed the packages and then the parents start asking for me to "hook" them up with another 8X10 or a few more wallets. Love to hit you with, Man I know them prints only cost $2.00. Yes that may be true, but my time and effort are worth more than $2.00.
 
cat daddy said:
How about those that want something for nothing or try to sqeeze more out of you after you have quoted a cost.

I did some pictures for a local dance group. Made it simple for them since I knew they were just getting off their feet. 2 5X7's, 1 8X10 and 8 Wallets. $30. Took the pics, printed the packages and then the parents start asking for me to "hook" them up with another 8X10 or a few more wallets. Love to hit you with, Man I know them prints only cost $2.00. Yes that may be true, but my time and effort are worth more than $2.00.
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Exactly. People have forgotten how to be thankful for what they are able to receive. No wonder people are more reprehensible.
 
cat daddy said:
How about those that want something for nothing or try to sqeeze more out of you after you have quoted a cost.

I did some pictures for a local dance group. Made it simple for them since I knew they were just getting off their feet. 2 5X7's, 1 8X10 and 8 Wallets. $30. Took the pics, printed the packages and then the parents start asking for me to "hook" them up with another 8X10 or a few more wallets. Love to hit you with, Man I know them prints only cost $2.00. Yes that may be true, but my time and effort are worth more than $2.00.
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I get that a lot too.
 
jsupop33 said:
When I was in undergrad, two of my graphic design professors told us that we would need two contracts in the real world, 1 for black folks and 1 for everyone else. They told horror stories of dealing with people, churches and businesses.

I should have listened. Man, I have the hardest time collecting money from our people when doing graphic design work and folks cop attitudes when you ask for atleast half up-front. Once, I had these cats trying to start a record label ask me to create them a logo. They never paid me but hit me up two months later asking me to create a flyer using the logo I made for them.

I just did some campaign flyers for a guy running for office in VA and the guy basically started having his white female assistant to hit me to ask me about making changes because he hasn't came through on his payments. One of homeboys is a personal trainer and he complains about the same thing.
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Don't deliver the goods without payment....Period. If it involves purchasing materials or supplies to complete the job, stand your ground and DEMAND your deposit or "Nuck those Figgers!"
 
JROCK said:
Don't deliver the goods without payment....Period. If it involves purchasing materials or supplies to complete the job, stand your ground and DEMAND your deposit or "Nuck those Figgers!"
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Agreed! I ONLY do business now. You state what you need and I give you a price. You gets NOTHING below or above what you asked for. Don't pay me and you don't get sh-t!
 
cat daddy said:
How about those that want something for nothing or try to sqeeze more out of you after you have quoted a cost.

I did some pictures for a local dance group. Made it simple for them since I knew they were just getting off their feet. 2 5X7's, 1 8X10 and 8 Wallets. $30. Took the pics, printed the packages and then the parents start asking for me to "hook" them up with another 8X10 or a few more wallets. Love to hit you with, Man I know them prints only cost $2.00. Yes that may be true, but my time and effort are worth more than $2.00.
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Yep. I've been through this with my photography too. On a visit to Baton Rouge in 2012, I was asked if I'd photograph a wedding in Baton Rouge in 2013. Since I live in North Carolina now, I started talking about my travel expenses to come to Baton Rouge. They looked at me with that puzzled look on their face. I explained to them, that a plane ticket would be around $400, hotel room would be about $100/night, and the rental car costs.

I've had black customers that were willing to pay a white photographer more than they were willing to pay me for the same job when they admitted that my work was better. They seem to think that since they are black, I should cut them a kin folks deal.
 
Don't let it be a big butt and pretty smile with it. They think you are suppose to let them never pay you. Black folks are horrible.
 



They don't really respect you or your business if they're trying to short you on compensation

One true indication of this is going to another person to get the same job at the same or higher price.. Its like saying F you I don't like you anyway lol
 
TRU3000 said:
They don't really respect you or your business if they're trying to short you on compensation

One true indication of this is going to another person to get the same job at the same or higher price.. Its like saying F you I don't like you anyway lol
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:tup:
 
Two side of the story as well. What about the black business that never show up on time, services are poor, shotty work..etc.. I also have a problem with hole in the wall restaurants. All this money you make week in and out and you never move into a new building and get some cleaner surroundings.. I know dayum well E and L's making money hand over foot..Buy a new clean building so I can eat in sometimes.. Just saying..
 
97JSULEGEND said:
Two side of the story as well. What about the black business that never show up on time, services are poor, shotty work..etc.. I also have a problem with hole in the wall restaurants. All this money you make week in and out and you never move into a new building and get some cleaner surroundings.. I know dayum well E and L's making money hand over foot..Buy a new clean building so I can eat in sometimes.. Just saying..
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Easy answer don't patronize them. You don't owe them nothing and they don't owe you anything. I remember when looking for my house and getting a real estate agent that was black. He suggested that I get what he chose because I couldn't get anything better and basically was trying to rush me into a deal so he can get that little funky commission. I fired his ass the minute I got home. I don't eat, shop or accept services that I'm not pleased with. I don't play that shiat. :lol: :emlaugh:
 
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Not true. I have a black friend that bought me something on the hook up. After 3 weeks of trying to chase her down to pay her. I said F it.
 
97JSULEGEND said:
Two side of the story as well. What about the black business that never show up on time, services are poor, shotty work..etc.. I also have a problem with hole in the wall restaurants. All this money you make week in and out and you never move into a new building and get some cleaner surroundings.. I know dayum well E and L's making money hand over foot..Buy a new clean building so I can eat in sometimes.. Just saying..
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Charge that to not knowing how to do business. That's the issue with a lot of Black businesses. Esp. restaraunts. I'm pretty familiar with that family, and that is their issue. They don't put money back into the place. They pocket all of it. The whole family riding around in Cadillac's and Corvette's.

A few years ago, a truck ran into the building and crushed their BBQ pit. They didn't even have insurance to get it replaced promptly. :smh:
 
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jsupop33 said:
When I was in undergrad, two of my graphic design professors told us that we would need two contracts in the real world, 1 for black folks and 1 for everyone else. They told horror stories of dealing with people, churches and businesses.
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Do folks pay their weave bills on time?
 
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