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Many months ago, I was asked to write a one-off piece for a specialist motoring magazine (print, not online). I did so, the article was published, and I duly submitted my invoice. This morning, I made the latest in a series of 12 phone calls (to date) to chase up payment. It has been outstanding for 16 weeks. Eventually, I reach Annabella-from-accounts, who is the person responsible for actually sending out the cheques.
Annabella told me in a very prim voice that my cheque was printed two weeks ago but it hasn’t yet been posted. “It’s still here, with my money jar,” says Annabella.
This really threw me. “So when will you send it to me?”
“Well, I can’t send it till it’s been released by my money jar, can I?” I had an image of the proverbial monkey with its hand in a jar, clutching a nut and trapped for ever.
“So, Annabella, when do you think your money jar might… er… release the cheque?” (Is your hand sore?)
“I don’t know. It’s up to my money jar.” And, bless her, she rang off.
It’s only now, several hours later, that I’ve worked out what Annabella was on about. I called back but Annabella’s gone on holiday for two weeks. I asked to speak directly to her Manni-Jah but they wouldn’t put me through. Sigh.
Unfortunately, Annabella’s are everywhere.
The sad thing is that in between doing their nails etc between phone calls, they are so often the messenger of doom to many small/individual enterprises who despite their marketing efforts are reduced to closure due to delayed payment from clients.
AlfaMartini | 28 Jul 07 - 17:26