Been thinking about how much I’ve had to shift my approach depending on who I’m dealing with. Some clients respond better to gentle reminders, others need firm deadlines.
Started customizing my collection process based on the client relationship and their usual payment patterns. Makes a huge difference in actually getting paid without burning bridges.
One size fits all is total BS - learned that the hard way. Had a client ghost us for months, then boom - paid everything at once. Another needed weekly check-ins or they’d completely forget.
I sort clients into three buckets now: forgetful ones who need gentle nudges, reliable slow payers who get extra time, and problem accounts that go straight to our lawyer after 60 days.
Biggest revelation? Some clients actually want phone calls over emails. Sounds stupid obvious but took us forever to catch on.
Cash works best for small jobs. No chasing invoices. Quick and easy.
The payment schedule talk is way more important than most people realize. I always ask new clients upfront how they handle late invoices.
Some companies have bizarre approval processes that drag on forever. Others are just bad at paying. Figure out which one you’re dealing with early - it’ll save you major headaches.
I adjust invoice terms based on the client:
Be flexible with your approach but stick hard to your boundaries. You can stay nice during collections without being a doormat.
I track payment history for every client and sort them by type. Slow but reliable payers get friendly reminders. Problem clients get formal notices with hard deadlines right away.
I keep notes on what works with each client - saves tons of time. Some respond better to calls, others need everything in writing.
Stick to your process but adapt your approach. Makes collections way more effective.
I just call everyone after two weeks late.
I use two simple categories. Good clients who pay but need nudging get 30 days before I follow up.
Bad clients who’ve stiffed me before? Payment upfront or I’m out. No point chasing money from people who won’t pay.