Are there any freelancers who have advice for following up late payments? I’m struggling to make contact!
Replies28
- That's a tricky thing and I got my share on unpaid contracts. For me it's more frustrating following an unpaid job week after week because you feel like you're fooled. For me it's worse than not having anything to work on. So in the last 3 years I decided on some rules and it worked for "me".1. I'm a retoucher/photo editor. New clients regularly ask test runs. I don't do free tests unless company name is Apple, Microsoft or CocaCola.2. First time clients pay 100% before project start. If they are reluctant we can use an escrow system escrows take around 3.5% as commision)3. Regular clients (after 3rd projects) can pay 50% before project delivery remaining amount should be closed 15 days upon delivery.4. If rule 3 is broken in anyway by a client and project after that is dealt as "new client". They always have to pay full amount before project start. I have two clients like that5. If the project is a large budget project, it can be divided into milestones but an important payment (no less than 1/3) has to be made before project start and remaining can be paid on certain milestones.In 2021 I had only one client candidate who wasn't happy from my system and decided not to work with me.PS. Of course I don't write them like this. Depending on their status I provide them a short paragraph how we can work under the circumstances. Clear and polite; don't give any sign that we can negotiate on the terms.
- I’ve not yet had to go this far, my worst has been 2-months late with payment. But overall, I send 2 reminders - notice of legal action if they don’t respond & then legal action.This might be a silly question, but do you have a contract in-place?
- Do you have a late payment notice email template you can use? What is their payment policy/timeframe? Most places will let you know if they pay within 30 or 60 days. If they don't the law states 30 and then you can chase. xx
- I can help provide some insight on how to manage this. Message me privately to discuss further
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