an ethical question

nonai · Mar 10, 2014

someone did work for me a few months ago. I emailed them asking for an invoice so I can pay them. They said "OK I will send one soon" but they never sent it, its been over 4 months.

I have 2 choices:
1) do nothing. They didn't care enough to send the invoice. That's their problem.
If I pick this option, I will be rich.

2) remind them to send invoice. Then pay. If I pick this option, I will be poor.

Which one should I pick?

mickyfu · Mar 10, 2014

Do the honest thing and say nothing.

fan690 · Mar 10, 2014

For me number 2. Ethically the best thing you can do is sent another email. And if they don't respond again then there isn't anything else you can do.

I mean 4 months wow, who knows something might have happen to the person, so can only guess or up to you to find out deeper.

Tough spot though if this is gonna make you poor if he/she does respond

Good luck!

Terkoiz · Mar 10, 2014

You did remind them to send you the invoice but they didn't bother to do it so why worry?

proxygo · Mar 10, 2014

Terkoiz said:
You did remind them to send you the invoice but they didn't bother to do it so why worry?

remind me never to do business with you and that bhw avoid also
people have busy lives. maybe something happened to them if you
payed some1 to do a job and they havnt collected, knowingly to keep it
is theft...which marks you out on bhw as a scammer type

and nonai
karma re-pays those who do the right thing - and to ask people here
should i contact them or keep the money...if you have to ask the question
your not worth an answer

TrevorB · Mar 10, 2014

If you know how much you owe then and the work is all done, send them the payment. If you just need the invoice for tax purposes, after you pay just ask for a receipt from them or something.

Techxan · Mar 10, 2014

Contact them once more and tell them you cannot pay without an invoice.

Then do not pay until they send an invoice.

Put the money up so you can pay it when they do send one.

jazzc · Mar 10, 2014

A guy does some work and "forgets" to get paid. If he can't be bothered to charge for his work, I don't see what 's your problem in this. Did you deny to pay? Will you deny if he asks? If both answers are no, then you can forget about it as well.

davids355 · Mar 10, 2014

There's nothing immoral about not reminding them - it's there problem to remember, not yours.

the only reason I would have for reminding them, is if you don't want to be lumbered with the bill 6 months down the line when they do remember.

proxygo · Mar 10, 2014

put the money aside as its not yours. and
2) remind them to send another invoice.
maybe something came up and they forgot
it happens

Wilson Grant Fisk · Mar 10, 2014

Not really sure ethics come into it.

People do work for you, then you pay them. Simple.

(Although if I were having cash flow problems it might be delayed a bit - The cheques in the post!)

Macthetrix · Mar 10, 2014

mickyfu said:
Do the honest thing and say nothing.

Haha perfect answer

IMTopgun · Mar 11, 2014

It's not an ethical question if you have to ask it. Your actions determine your ethics. You don't need to ask for opinions on what you should do, you already know the right thing to do and are just looking for a reason not to do it.

an ethical question

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