Dealing with a client avoiding payments for two months has me questioning my initial payment terms. Just saying ‘net 30’ feels too vague now.
Maybe those detailed clauses really are essential to avoid these issues.
Being specific about payment terms was a game changer for me. No more vague language - I’m direct about everything.
Here’s what goes in my contracts:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or [specific platform] only
- Late fees: 1.5% monthly on overdue balances
- Final notice: 45 days before I stop working
- Cancellation rights: I can bail if payment’s 60+ days late
The trick is actually following through. Had a client test me once and I stuck to it. Word spreads when you don’t mess around.
I also ask new clients for freelancer references now. Takes five minutes and saves major headaches.
I just do cash only for small jobs now. Saves all the headache.
Had a client pull this exact stunt last year. What saved me was adding a clause about overdue payments and consequences.
Now I include: “Payment due within 30 days of invoice date. Accounts over 60 days go to collections.” Just having it in writing made a huge difference.
I also spell out exactly how and where to pay. Clients love the “I didn’t know where to send the check” excuse when they’re stalling.
I just ask for half up front now.
Two months is way too long. I learned this the hard way.
Now I put late fees in every contract and send reminders after 7 days. Most clients pay fast when they see those charges piling up.
Stop work the second payments are late. I call clients at 35 days - one warning, that’s it. At 45 days, I’m gone. No exceptions. You’re not a bank, so don’t act like one. Keep working while they owe you? You just lost all your leverage. They know you’ll finish anyway, so why pay? Set the boundary early and stick to it every single time.