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Posts: 7715

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Q: Take the money? Or burn the bridge??

Over the last 4 months or so, I calculate that I've been screwed out of about 80K RMB through agreements not being upheld by the Chinese associates (As in, we have an 'agreement' (yes, in writing they say "Sure, no problem, we want this too")... and then when contacted to actually organise events... tumbleweeds).

 

A couple of those associated schools have since contacted me requesting my presence again (for their marketing purposes) - of course, at substantially lower payments than what the other arrangements are worth (ie, a mere 5-10% or even less).

 

Q: would you take the (much less) money - knowing that what they're paying you is insignificant compared to what they're making from you - in the (no doubt, vain) hope that they'll live up to their ends later?

 

Or would you tell them to fuck off  - and make it clear that not honouring an agreement means ending all contact with them?

 

 

 

EDIT for clarification: I offer 3-4 services, ranging from relatively cheap (individually, but nice when added up) to still fairly cheap. They want me to do a cheap one-off for relatively little - because it garners them more business. They don't then follow up with the promotion and sales of the other 'services' I offer - and there's the issue! They'll pay me a couple of K's, but not do the work for the more profitable stuff ...

 

So, the question is... keep taking the scraps, while they enjoy the meat? Or just walk away?

7 years 4 weeks ago in  Business & Jobs - China

 
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This is EXACTLY why I stop trying to get Chinese clients. 

 

Useless meetings, broken promises... grueling sessions trying to get my contracted pay. 

 

This is exactly why investors are pulling out of China. The Golden Age, is OVER! I would tell them to fuck off, but I am in the sort of position where I can do that. Evaluate your position, if you believe they will actually pay you... (probably not) and take according action. If you are left with nothing, you may as well be left with some dignity and self-respect. 

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7 years 3 weeks ago
 
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Me personally, I would give them the chance to fulfill their side of the deal by pretending to be interested in their latest offer.

 

I would probably say something like 'yes, I'm interested in your offer and by the way, where are we on that other stuff we're working on because I'm still keen to make that work'.

 

Be amenable, pretend to still be on the team but let it be known you want to see something before going any further. If they deliver all good run with it.

 

But, if /when they don't come through I would still pretend to be onboard, let them make plans then just don't show up on the big day. Let them squirm and enjoy not answering the phone when they're calling you in desperation devil

 

Oh, and you should probably be looking at your plan B options right about now, just in case.

Shining_brow:

Oh, plan B had a meeting yesterday.... :p

 

Yes, I probably should have done that wonderful idea of playing along, and then dropping the ball at the last minute. Unfortunately, there's usually a day or so notice for them to come up with something... it'd be great if I could do that at literally the last minute!!! ie, keep sending text messages saying "yes, I'm in the hotel, walking down to the event right now! How many people have come? 80-100 you say?? See you in 5 minutes" :p

7 years 4 weeks ago
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7 years 4 weeks ago
 
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To answer your question:

No. They are unilaterally changing the agreement. If you work for the new amounts offered, then that is your pay. If you accept the huge discount, you can forget about the previous agreement. Why would they pay the previous rates, when they can get you for 5-10% or even less, as you said? 

Bait and switch.

Shining_brow:

I obviously wasn't being totally clear... I offer a number of services - from a basic lecture, to a full course. They're happy(?) to get me to do a basic lecture (It creates the impression that I work with them), but don't follow through on the promotion and sales of a course (even though it's what is actually needed!).

 

So, it's not a simple matter of paying me less for the same thing.

7 years 3 weeks ago
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bill8899:

Oh, I see. Sounds like you need to open your own school, if you haven't already. I think they couldn't care less about selling your course, but definitely want to create the impression that you work there for as little as possible. But I'm a bit cynical, or realistic.

7 years 3 weeks ago
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7 years 4 weeks ago
 
Posts: 2531

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This is EXACTLY why I stop trying to get Chinese clients. 

 

Useless meetings, broken promises... grueling sessions trying to get my contracted pay. 

 

This is exactly why investors are pulling out of China. The Golden Age, is OVER! I would tell them to fuck off, but I am in the sort of position where I can do that. Evaluate your position, if you believe they will actually pay you... (probably not) and take according action. If you are left with nothing, you may as well be left with some dignity and self-respect. 

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7 years 3 weeks ago
 
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The old adage applies. Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me.  I also totally agree with Robk. We no longer accept Chinese clients unless they pay a non refundable deposit to meet with us.  if you sign a contract or NDA  with them, at least have it written on soft paper so you can get some value from it.   

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7 years 3 weeks ago
 
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