Virtual Assistant – Stopping and starting work when you are not paid
That’s simple, right?
You would think so, wouldn’t you?
Not paying for a service must surely entitle you to stop providing it?
Of course, there’s a lawyer’s answer to that and it’s not that simple, I’m afraid.
It is possible (and a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, as a dispute resolution solicitor, I had a case that was based on this point…) that if you simply down tools when you are not paid, you could end up liable for losses that your customer incurs if you have simply stopped – WITHOUT THE CORRECT CONTRACTUAL TERM TO ALLOW YOU TO DO SO.
So, to explain this: an example:
A Virtual Assistant undertakes to do administrative work for a client – this includes instructing suppliers to progress with a project. The Virtual Assistant doesn’t get paid by the client, so stops work and does not issue the instructions to the suppliers. As a result, the project is delayed, and the client incurs a loss. In theory, unless the client contract – your T and C’s – allows the Virtual Assistant to stop when they are not paid, and only to resume when they are, the client could claim that loss against the Virtual Assistant in a breach of contract action.
Solution?
Add a clause which allows you to suspend services in the event of non-payment
AND (if you are savvy)
To demand payment upfront if you are going to resume your services.
Do your T and Cs include this? They should. Ours do……
Come and grab a template for Virtual Assistant services here for only £99.00 and this will protect you and give you some ammunition for those trickier customers. Add an hour of help from us for another £100.00 and you are good to go…