>problem is that i cannot bill this customer
>directly, as it is through another company. and
>he is very hesitant to bill properly (i call it
>the retailer mentality), but i have a very thourgh
>documentation of this one (others have been less
>clear cut). over the years, this has been my
>biggest problem in working with retailers who call
>me in to do a custom job for their customers, and
>as much as i try, i can never quite insure that
>these occurances are covered.

I am probably oversimplifiing your situation, but who is your 'direct' customer? If the retailer doesn't want to bill the end customer, that's his/her problem, not yours. You are getting paid to do a service for X who is doing a service for Y (having you work for them). You should get paid your fair price no matter where the money is actually coming from. Agian, I'm sure I am making this sound less complex than it is.

It is interesting to hear these stories, however, as I am relatively new to the consulting business. I guess now I know some things to watch out for. Thanks.

Scot.