Even if a company is tardy with its bills, they still have to be paid

Q. I would like to know what constitutes "timely billing." How long after a service is rendered does a business have to submit a bill to a customer? How quickly does a bill have to be submitted for the charge to be legitimate? Is there a limit beyond which the consumer is no longer responsible for the bill?

Anonymous

A. As heavily a regulated state as Massachusetts is, billing is one area that has little in the way of rules. And what rules there are tend to be industry specific.

The cable television industry and public utilities, for instance, follow established billing practices.

But after that, it's pretty much between you and the company. Most companies, obviously, would want to engage in timely billing. It's important for cash flow, accounting, and generally keeping a business operating.

Assuming a painter, for example, neglected to bill you for the last installment of painting your home last summer - there is no reason why he couldn't send you an invoice for the outstanding charges three months from now. It's an inefficient and unprofessional way to run a business, but there's no law that says it can't be done.

In other words you can't really wait for an owed debt to expire.

Pageant alert
You often see the signs in malls. They beckon to parents that you can make your child a star. It's an awfully compelling come-on considering how many parents think their children are the cutest kids around.

Groups hosting these supposed star searches have a rather obvious agenda: to make money. Entering your child will cost $40 and then another $10 apiece if you want them judged on their attire, hair, or eyes. Make it to the next level and the entry fees are even higher. One group alone has at least 10 mall events scheduled in the area.

A small group of parents embraces this pageant scene and its trappings, which could land a child a collection of trophies for the money, time, and effort.

Another line of these outfits that prey on parents' weaknesses are supposed modeling and talent agencies, which require an outlay of money for them to shoot your child's portfolio as well as other up-front cash. A legitimate modeling/talent agency will want to see a portfolio but typically makes money by taking a percentage of what is earned from work they arrange.

Making a child into a star is a long shot. Avoid paying someone for the privilege of finding out just how long the odds really are.

To read more about what warning signs to look for when using a modeling or talent agency, visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov or follow this link www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/products/pro23.shtm.

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