Freelancing for years has shown me that clearly defined contracts reduce payment issues. When I outline payment terms and deadlines, I face fewer headaches.
On the other hand, vague agreements always lead to complications. Clients often have different expectations come payment time.
Now, I make sure everything is documented, even for minor projects. It really helps avoid those annoying “that’s not what we agreed on” moments.
Get everything in writing before you start. Even a simple email works if it covers the basics.
I always include what happens if they want changes beyond the original scope. Scope creep kills profits when clients think everything should be free. Also mention who owns the work until final payment clears.
One thing that really helps is requiring approval at each milestone. Clients can’t claim they didn’t like the direction if they signed off on it earlier.
Adding a line about collection costs was a game changer. Most clients don’t think about it until they see “client pays all collection fees and legal costs” in writing. Then payments become their priority real quick.
I learned to spell out what “completion” actually means. Had one client think my work was done after I sent the draft - not after their three rounds of changes. Now I define exactly what triggers each payment.
Biggest mistake? Being too nice about enforcement. Someone hits day 31 on net 30? They get a firm email referencing our agreement. No exceptions, no sob stories. Word spreads fast that you mean business.
Payment schedules beat payment terms every time. I tell clients exactly when invoices go out and when they’re due - first one at project start, second at 50% done, final at delivery. No confusion. I also throw in a line about stopping work if they’re late paying. Sounds harsh, but it works. Had a client ghost me for three weeks until I brought up that clause. Check showed up two days later.
It’s true. Contracts might seem like a hassle but they save a lot of trouble later.
I make it clear and keep things straightforward.
Same here. Documentation saves so much hassle later.
Learned this the hard way when clients suddenly “remembered” things differently at invoice time. Now I always cover:
I also send follow-up emails after calls summarizing what we talked about. Clients like the clarity and I don’t lose sleep wondering if we’re on the same page.
10 minutes upfront beats weeks of arguing later.