The Magic Word

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

I don't deal with customers much anymore since becoming a bookkeeper. But there are still times I have to talk with the clients.

Often there will be transactions that I need an explanation for (usually checks without anything in the memo). Most clients are good about telling us what they are for. Not so with all...

Today, I'm talking with a client. I have only ONE question for him, a minute amount for most accounts.

It took 3 days to get an answer. I have him on the telephone, and he can't give me an answer. Or won't.

I explain several times I can't just put this to "Business expenses", then get a LONG RANT about how there isn't any Capital and blah, blah, blah.

Today, I got another one. Rant, that is. A long explanation about who this guy he wrote the check to is, how he's in the same business, he bought some display--

STOP! That's what I needed. "Display." The magic word that allows me to not speak to you for another month.

Now could ya have said that 3 days ago and not wasted my time?

[chainedbarista]

Now could ya have said that 3 days ago and not wasted my time?

of course not; you're paid to listen to his ranting and raving.

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

of course not; you're paid to listen to his ranting and raving.

Not enough, I'm not. >< There's a REASON we got someone who used to sell cars for the front desk.

She's got CHA stats up the whazoo.

[EricKei]

That's why I love this little account that we like to have in any client file we set up: an Other Expense account called "Ask My Accountant". So much more useful than "Misc Exp" The upside is, they can use it too when they're actually doing their own coding, and it's a huge red flag for the CPA's regular file reviews.

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

That's why I love this little account that we like to have in any client file we set up: an Other Expense account called "Ask My Accountant". So much more useful than "Misc Exp" The upside is, they can use it too when they're actually doing their own coding, and it's a huge red flag for the CPA's regular file reviews.

We have that, too, but it has to be empty before we can close the month.