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Dealing with Voice-Over Clients That Don’t Pay
by Jason McCoy
Updated August 2022
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Hi Jason:
I did a very small job for a company in India. After three days, he told me that the client wasn’t satisfied. I recorded the script again and i’m still waiting for a response. I’m pretty new in the business but this is the first time I have had to deal with something like this
Hi Michael, I just turned a client down ftom India, in fact my second one because they are lovers of low budget talents. They wanted to pay me 0.04USD per word on 7200 word scrips, no basic studio fee and non negotiable. They also did not specify where the products will be used. So make sure you know your worth, don’t undersell yourself and be sure you follow Jason’s advise with these types – get an upfront payment. Personally, I don’t touch them, leave them to the fivver types.
Sorry to hear you’re dealing with that Michael. Hopefully it works out for you.
Great as always, Jason. You’re doing the community a lot of good talking about these pain points. Another effective way of getting results is by sending a demand letter. This should be seen as a last resort, and should be thoroughly qualified first before issuing, as it can be used as evidence if you end up taking the client to court. However, it usually does the trick.
Thanks Robi! Is the demand letter something sent by email or would that need to be mailed?
Best to send it by snail mail. It’s just more official, I guess. Here in the Philippines, I think we can have the document notarized first by a notary public. Not sure how it works over there. I can email you the demand letter template if you haven’t downloaded it yet from the VocAlliance page.
I am glad to hear advice from experienced narrators. Thank you.
Hope it helps you Thomas!
Good stuff here again Jason.
In 4 years, I have had only one customer bail on me for payment…and it was a very small market radio spot in Malta… After that, if a smaller customer wants me from a foreign market, I will ask (very nicely) for payment up front, and offer a discount if they can arrange that. So far so good 🙂
Thanks Brad! Have you ever asked for payment up front and been denied? If so, do you turn the job down?