Hi Mike,

I don't know much about Absolute.  However, if they are in NY, they may still be having trouble with their electricity and phones from their storm.  I haven't heard yet whether everyone has been restored, but that might be part of the problem.

As for adding a penalty/late fee - I have my doubts that would actually work.  It is a good idea, but the problem is if you can't get them to pay the normal bill can you get them to pay a penalty?  I have always had trouble getting some of these clients to pay their full bill as it is.  Many just ignore copy charges, or additional charges when for multiple chains of title, or when the 2 owner turns into a full search.  I don't think they would actually pay a penalty.

The problem with these companies that "eventually" pay is that when they "eventually" go under - or decide to not pay you, you lose much more than just one month of revenue.  You may get stuck with 3 months or more by the time you realize that they have no intention of paying you.

That is why we have a strict NET30 policy and if the check does not arrive within 45 days, we suspend all further service until the invoice is paid.  We allow the extra 15 days for delays in the postal service... that happens.  I used to fall for the excuses and extend service, until I got burned once.  I realized that I would have rather have cut them off earlier and risked losing their business as opposed to getting in so deep.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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