Sometimes our generosity gets the better of us. How many times have we said, “I’ll just leave a bill,” for a customer who couldn’t be there for the shoeing? And how many times have we waited, sending second and even third notices, trying to be paid for work we’ve done? Too many times!

I know for me, one time is too many, but I was still regularly doing business that way!

There are some horse owners for whom I have worked for years and never even met. Granted, there was always someone at the barn to catch or hold the horses, but it can be frustrating working for an absentee owner. Now, I understand that appointment times that are convenient for farriers aren’t always convenient for horse owners who work late or odd hours.

Teen-agers Vs. Parents

Similarly, it can be frustrating to work for a teen-ager whose parents pay the shoeing bill. While the teen-agers are usually there with bells on, many times the payments aren’t as readily available. Normally, excuses follow, and in the end the farrier’s only option is taking the customer to small claims court. All well and good, but you can easily develop a reputation because horses owners get around, and their gossip can easily become fact in a small horse community.

What about the times we’ve driven a good distance only to find that our client has forgotten to leave a check? Obviously, we don’t want to turn around and go home, so what…