Hi with cheques I only accept them from business rather than birthday parties. Cash is a lot easier to handle than cheques,

Ricardo the Magician

"What does annoy me a little is when people assume I avoid tax by virtue of the industry I am in."

That's why when you give a quote you sometimes get asked if you give a discount for cash, they assume if they pay you cash it doesn't go through the books. They put you in the same league as plumbers and other tradesman. Everyone instantly assumes if you are self employed that you fiddle the books to avoid tax.

Everyone instantly assumes if you are self employed that you fiddle the books to avoid tax.

Funny, that's because most do I think!

JoJo

When someone asks me if I have a day job, my immediate reply is: "Why? Is there one missing?" with a cocked eyebrow and a lopsided grin.

This lets then know (again) that I am a professional and, if the fee is over $600, I make sure that they have my address "so they can send me the 1099 tax form." This also lets them know that I am for real as a business.

As to bounced checks, the only group that has ever bounced a check on me was the Halloweem party - that's a Mensa event - you know - the intellectual society.

It now hangs poudly on my wall as a reminder to make sure that I get a signed performance agreement - the one with the fee of $1,000 for anyone who bounces a check, back before committing to a gig!

Just a couple of thoughts.

Lee Darrow, C.H.