Dealing with late payments is getting old. I’ve tried gentle reminders and even offered early payment discounts. Still, some clients drag their feet for weeks.
Anyone else face this? What’s your secret weapon for getting paid on time without burning bridges?
Been there, done that. Late payments are a real headache.
What worked for me was setting up a system. I send invoices right away, then follow up with a friendly email a week before it’s due. If they’re late, I send a polite reminder every week.
I also started asking for deposits on bigger jobs. It’s helped a lot with cash flow.
For repeat offenders, I’ve had to have some awkward conversations. I explain how late payments affect my business. Most clients get it and shape up.
One trick that’s helped: I offer a small discount (like 2%) for early payment. Some clients love this and pay fast to save a few bucks.
Remember, you’re running a business, not a charity. It’s okay to be firm about getting paid on time.
Late payments are a pain. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years:
Clear payment terms upfront
Automated reminders
Late fees (but be careful with this one)
The game-changer for me was switching to milestone payments. I break projects into chunks and get paid as I go. It’s saved me from those end-of-project payment headaches.
For really stubborn clients, I’ve had to pause work until payment comes through. It’s not ideal, but it usually gets results.
Remember, it’s your work and your time. Don’t be afraid to be firm about getting paid.