"Leslie" wrote in message
om...

The roofer FAXed the invoice a day or two later (Sunday or Monday) but
I was so swamped at work over the next few days that I didn't have
time to sit down and write out the check until this morning
(Saturday).

Yes you did. It would have taken 5 minutes to write the check. You cannot
honestly say you didn't have 5 free minutes for an entire week.

I'm not saying you are totally at fault here, but look at his mindset and
expectations. He clearly expected you to pay upon receiving the invoice.
Putting it off almost a full week is not what he expected. *You* knew you
were going to eventually pay it - but he didn't know that, despite your
offer to pay right away. He faxed the invoice Sunday (let's say) - I'll bet
he was checking his mailbox Tuesday, then Wednesday - all the while, you
didn't even look at the invoice, nevermind mail the check he was expecting.

I honestly don't think he was accusing you of stiffing him - If I were you,
I'd call him and say you are sorry for any misunderstanding (not sorry for
your actions, as you thought waiting a week was ok, and that isn't
unreasonable), and in the future will be certain to pay immediately upon
receipt. That should make him happy, and he might even surprise you by
saying immediate payment isn't necessary (I'm a freelancer - I want
immediate payment from new clients, but older ones who I *know* will pay can
take as long as they wish, within reason)

JWB