Client demanding pirated software

[drjones]

I have a client whose last IT guy provided him with all the pirated software he wanted, and he's asking me to do the same; pirate Quickbooks & other stuff for him.

I'm declining and telling him it's a liability for me and just not how I do business. He's questioning how it's a liability for me.

Have you guys faced this before & how have you responded?

 

[mraikes]

I have a client whose last IT guy provided him with all the pirated software he wanted, and he's asking me to do the same; pirate Quickbooks & other stuff for him.

I'm declining and telling him it's a liability for me and just not how I do business. He's questioning how it's a liability for me.

Have you guys faced this before & how have you responded?

I think distributing illegal software would pretty clearly be a liability for you.

Just say no.

 

[andcorptech]

Well tell him its a liabilty to you as its illegal to distribute pirated software. Then id drop him as a client, as if hes demanding you break the law to save him money, what is he going to be like about your other fees and charges. Customers like this are better somewhere else.

 

[angry_geek]

That's usually the point where I make a quick decision. If it's someone I like, I'll point them to the many lawsuits and prison sentences that have happened as a result of this behavior. If they still keep asking after this, or if I don't like them or care to have them as a client, I tell them to have a look at craigslist, and, as I'm walking out the door, I let them know I'll be the first to call 1-800-RU-LEGIT and/or whatever software they're pirating.

I really have a hard time with businesses doing this kind of ****, and an even harder time with the so-called "techs" or "professional IT" companies encouraging the behavior or even considering it. It pisses me off, and it should you as well.

Edit: Next time anyone wants to talk about sensitive issues such as this, I recommend posting your thread in the tech-eyes-only section.

 

[drjones]

That's usually the point where I make a quick decision. If it's someone I like, I'll point them to the many lawsuits and prison sentences that have happened as a result of this behavior. If they still keep asking after this, or if I don't like them or care to have them as a client, I tell them to have a look at craigslist, and, as I'm walking out the door, I let them know I'll be the first to call 1-800-RU-LEGIT and/or whatever software they're pirating.

I really have a hard time with businesses doing this kind of ****, and an even harder time with the so-called "techs" or "professional IT" companies encouraging the behavior or even considering it. It pisses me off, and it should you as well.

Edit: Next time anyone wants to talk about sensitive issues such as this, I recommend posting your thread in the tech-eyes-only section.

Ah, yes good point about the tech-only section. I'll keep that in mind.

Anyway it is frustrating to me since this guy is always bragging about how busy he is & all the big deals he's got going on....yet he can't afford a few hundred bucks for proper quickbooks licensing?

 

[angry_geek]

He'll probably wind up buying wal-mart specials and loading up crap all over the place, and expect you to come fix up everything at $10/hour. I'd tell him to hit the road.

 

[nlinecomputers]

I have a client whose last IT guy provided him with all the pirated software he wanted, and he's asking me to do the same; pirate Quickbooks & other stuff for him.

I'm declining and telling him it's a liability for me and just not how I do business. He's questioning how it's a liability for me.

Have you guys faced this before & how have you responded?

By getting up, saying "Thank you, but I'm sorry but we can't do business together" and walking out.

I don't justify my business liability to my clients.

 

[brandonkick]

Explain to him that it's no different then buying or selling stolen property.

It's illegal and in the end most places will deny their involvement and blame it on the tech. I'd refuse it outright. Not worth your time. If he doesn't understand the importance of going legit, then just walk out.

 

[gikstar]

We refuse to install pirated software and will not support any of the pirated software.
When we have to reinstall an operating system on a computer with a failed hard drive, we install only the software that they have licenses for. After we put the computer back in place, it's theirs to do with what they please.

We install Libre Office but I know of no replacement for Quickbooks.

I also suggest that you respond to their request via email to the fact that you know the previous tech would install pirated software, but you business does not nor do you support any known pirated software.
Hopefully that will provide you with protection if they ever get caught and try to put the blame on you.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

I have a client whose last IT guy provided him with all the pirated software he wanted, and he's asking me to do the same; pirate Quickbooks & other stuff for him.

Have you guys faced this before & how have you responded?

By saying "Goodbye...can't help you!"

I'm not going to get my reputation muddied down to the level of a pizza tech just to satisfy a dirt cheap client. Risk my partnership status with Microsoft.

That kind of cheap client will be cheap in trying to whittle down my consulting bills too.

Absolutely zero reasons to keep this client.

 

[BillMoney]

Just explain to the guy that its illegal and thank you for your business but you can no longer provide service

 

[nesrinamb]

what everyone else said....now if you said no and he said okay we will pay for it its different but I have a feeling he wants you to charge him $10 per computer fixed.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Yes explain to the client that installing pirated software is illegal and that sooner or later he is likely to be caught. Also the fines are huge and companies are always watching for piracy. Tell him that you are protecting him, but also you are protecting your own business and reputation and that you refuse to do what he's asking. Maybe dig up some open source alternatives. If your client will not budge, tell them hit the road and that you will not be able to do business with them any longer.

 

[16k_zx81]

I have a client whose last IT guy provided him with all the pirated software he wanted, and he's asking me to do the same; pirate Quickbooks & other stuff for him.

I'm declining and telling him it's a liability for me and just not how I do business. He's questioning how it's a liability for me.

Have you guys faced this before & how have you responded?

Anyone who is not prepared to do business with you legally and ethically is not a 'client'.

I really don't see it being that complicated.

The guy either does the right thing and buys the software, or he continues to try to convince you to commit a crime.

If he does the latter, you treat him the same way you would anyone else who asks you to break a law so that they can benefit from your actions.

How is this a dilemma? :what:

 

[Steve202]

Tell him your not doing it. Period! If he carries on asking, stop doing business with him.

 

[seedubya]

How is this a dilemma? :what:

It's a dilemma when you don't have many customers and can't even afford to lose the bad ones.

But dilemma or not, you need to find a way to handle this. What I would say is

"I understand that your last guy pirated software for you. Quite a lot of people do. But he should not have! A lot of people drink and drive too but I don't do that either. I value my reputation and my freedom and I'm just not going to risk those on something illegal. If you want to use pirated software then that's up to you. But I can't help you. I am happy to keep your systems up and running but if you have a problem with something pirated then there is no way for me to assist you. I would like to continue doing business with you but again, I cannot risk my reputation, by business and large fines and/or jail time for this."

 

[AdvancedTech]

I'd get away from this guy ASAP. The process is unlawful. 'Nuff said.

 

[dombooth]

I don't have many clients but even I'd be getting out of there!

Not worth it IMO.

Dom

 

[carrcomp]

It's a dilemma when you don't have many customers and can't even afford to lose the bad ones.

But dilemma or not, you need to find a way to handle this. What I would say is

"I understand that your last guy pirated software for you. Quite a lot of people do. But he should not have! A lot of people drink and drive too but I don't do that either. I value my reputation and my freedom and I'm just not going to risk those on something illegal. If you want to use pirated software then that's up to you. But I can't help you. I am happy to keep your systems up and running but if you have a problem with something pirated then there is no way for me to assist you. I would like to continue doing business with you but again, I cannot risk my reputation, by business and large fines and/or jail time for this."

The problem though is that if they are a bad client they will suck your time for little money and drain you of what you have to offer other, good customers.

Don't focus on keeping bad customers, focus on new business.

 

[Blue]

I wouldn't even bother explaining why I won't steal things for his sole benefit. If they didn't learn that stealing is wrong back in kindergarten, I doubt a speech from an IT tech now will help. And at that point, you'd be arguing for keeping a gangrenous limb: sure you'd prefer not losing it, but not if it costs you everything in the long run.

The only bright spot I can see is your opportunity to educate him (briefly) about FOSS alternatives, or sell him legit copies of what he needs to operate. It's a damn shame the bad habit that former IT jerk has created.

But a short and sweet answer to his query: because when the lawyers working for these software companies from which you're stealing sue you into oblivion, they're going to want to know how you obtained it, which creates a huge problem for me and my business.