Forum

• # 71415
• Thu 26 May 2011 11:45 AM

Hi Wendy

I would advise you to walk away from this client given your level of experience and also his background. I do not think this would be a good client to have as a first client.

He is a high risk in terms of money laundering as he deals with cash with no proper records for his cash sales he should have some sort of till in his shop which should give him daily z reads.

Incomplete records are a nightmare to deal with at the best of times however given the bartering etc things are going to made even tougher.

Sorry I cannot be more helpful

Best regards
Stuart

• Forum Moderator, South East & Greater London Regional Chairman
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• # 71432
• Thu 26 May 2011 03:56 PM

Hi Wendy

As Stuart rightly suggests..... 'walk away'.

Had a similar potential client and thankfully I walked away early on - suggested he go to a chartered accountant for expert advice.

I did wonder at the time if I would be paid and my best guess is I wouldn't have been.  Have since heard he has declared himself bankcrupt while owing a lot of money to sole trader sub-contractors (including friends of his) etc. yet spent money once a week getting his van valeted and buying new shiny alloys for his van too.

I'm not saying your client would go the same way or has, but sometimes its better safe than sorry and it sounds as if he would need sage advice from a CA instead.......

Good Luck

Liz

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• # 71438
• Thu 26 May 2011 06:29 PM

Hi Wendy

I really feel for you - the excitement of setting up a new practise and getting your first customer - but I can't disagree with advice you have been given.

It is a shame because it sounds like your client has made at least one good decision by chosing a regulated bookkeeper. However it sounds like he is withholding information from you. By and large people in business don't lose receipts. I work for a media industry company who find paperwork tiresome, but if I pester and cajole them, sometimes even stand over them and demand they empty their pockets I get the receipts I am looking for.

Good luck with finding another client and don't let this experience put you off.

Mike

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• # 71541
• Sun 29 May 2011 11:11 PM

Mikeee I like your style, It is nice to see you are not letting you clients get into bad habits.

Demanding they empty their pockets does this mean you may have been a highway man in a previous existance lol.

Best regards
Stuart 

• Forum Moderator, South East & Greater London Regional Chairman
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