Over the course of a single week I had one current client tell me about a conference she attended for creatives where the most asked question centered around getting paid, I then had another person share a horror story of a major big name client that has not paid an invoice almost an entire year later.
Has this happened to you? Are you tired of chasing clients for payment? Follow these 4 pro-tips to get clients to pay on time every time or face big legal consequences!
4 WAYS TO GET FREELANCE CLIENTS TO PAY
1. Get the gig in writing
Stop doing deals on handshakes, via text message, etc. Handle business as business and get it in writing. Worst case scenario have an email chain..BEST CASE..what you SHOULD be doing is using a basic services agreement for your freelancing.
[LET'S TALK IF YOU NEED ONE OF THESE..I PROMISE IT COST LESS THAN YOUR BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH TAB]
2. Confirm WHEN you will get paid
Don't be so excited a paid gig is on the table you skip the details of WHEN you get paid. This is clutch with corporate clients that often pay on 45-90 schedules. Timing is key. Get your details straight. There is nothing worse than thinking some money is on the way and it's really not. -_-
3. Confirm WHAT you need to submit to get paid
Again corporate clients are notorious for needing a w9, an invoice, a PO number, vendor registration forms etc. Clarify upfront WHAT all you need to submit in order to get paid.
4. Make clear what is and is NOT included
One of the top reasons clients refuse payment is because they claim they did not get the service they asked for. AGAIN get everything in writing EVERYTHING including what is NOT included in your quoted price and how much it will be if they want to have additional services.
