Korean Job Discussion Forums

[baedaebok]

I finished editing a 660-page document and the editing company wants the edited version of the document. I have a feeling that they will take the document, make an excuse (i.e., I didn't edit it properly), and not pay me. On their side, they don't want to pay me until they check the document to ensure significant editing was done.

How can I get the document to them and still guarantee payment?

BDB

[PRagic]

For future reference, you can write up a simple contract and have the company sign off on it before you get started.

In the past, I've simply refused to fork over the edited work, especially in cases where a substantial amount of time went into it, until I'd been paid at least 50% up front. I just finished a million won project, but I was introduced through a third party, and it was for a pretty big think tank, so I was given assurances that I'd get paid. Guess my primary position doesn't hurt those prospects, either.

Trust, however, is always an issue in a two way deal and it might be tough to get that 50% now. Make sure you've saved all correspondence, especially those where the payment details were mentioned, and, if you have these, send it to them. That is assuming you can't get at least 50% up front. Request that they acknowledge receipt of the edited document.

Basically, you have to work this out so that you don't come out and say you don't trust them as far as you can throw them, at which time they'll lose face and you could get raked over.

Play nice and hope for the best. Worst case is you have to take them to court to get paid. You can represent yourself in small claims, though it is a royal pain. Hope it doesn't come to that.