I don't have a strategy for avoid the rotten ones, other than gut feeling and that's normally a fairly accurate indication that something is wrong. So why did I ignore it today, because I needed to work.
The client was an elderly man, he didn't like my rate but I limited my work to two hours. The garden needed a mow, weeding of garden beds and pots, removal of leaves from paving and spraying for weeds. I arrived early, the gate was open so I started work straight away at 7.55 am. He came out and spoke to me at around 8.15 am and worked hard and fast for the next two hours.
He tried to imply that I started work at 8.30 am and questioned why I was asking to be paid for two hours. He then started to be vague about the rate we had agreed. He offered me $100 in cash but I couldn't provide any change ($16). I did offer to get change from a client nearby but he wouldn't accept this. I felt that from some of his conversation (seemed to know a bit of law relating to payments) that he had been in trouble before for not paying what he owes people. I finally stood my ground and accepted a cheque which I banked immediately and that will be the end of him as client.
From now on that gut feeling is critical, there were other issues as well. When we first met he was angry and derogatory towards me. I'm not allowed to name him, but avoid the units with the large gate in Albany Street, Point Frederick (SK, Central Coast Highway end).
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