I’ve had my first true non-paying customer (after nearly 3 years!).

A lady called Elizabeth Todd (ph: 0410 067 101), from Deception Bay, Qld, had non-starting PC.

It turned out to be a faulty motherboard, so I replaced it, did a repair install of windows, installed SP2, antivirus, etc etc.

All up, it was $140 for the hardware, and $140 for my time.

When I return the PC, she only has $140, but promises to give me the remaining $140 tomorrow.

Well numerous calls, and 6 months later, I’ve not seen the money.

I only started to call her 6 weeks after the payment was due (Computer Aid payment terms are 7 days)

I’ve heard lots of reasons:

• I forgot.
• I get paid on (a day of the week), I’ll pay then.
• I asked my partner to pay… didn’t he do it?
• I’ve had a difficult week, I’ll pay next week.

But in the end, I’ve had to write it off.

But I’d like to warn anyone else: if you meet Elizabeth Todd (from Donowain drive, Deception Bay), don’t supply her with any goods or services unless she pays upfront.