Clients taking their time with payments have been a headache. It got me thinking about whether my contract is strong enough when it matters most.
I might need to clarify payment deadlines and consequences for late payments. This dance with late invoices is exhausting when you’re relying on that cash flow.
I usually request a deposit to secure the job
Your contract matters, but honestly the real game changer is how you handle things after the work’s done.
I’ve found these tactics work better than just relying on contract terms:
The contract gives you backup, but most clients respect persistence more than legal language. I’ve collected way more money through consistent follow up than threatening late fees.
Also - some clients are just slow payers no matter what your contract says. Better to know this upfront and factor it into your cash flow planning.
Considering late fees can be effective. I also charge a percentage on overdue amounts. It keeps clients motivated to pay on time.
Make sure to include this in your contract so everyone knows the deal from the start.
Having solid terms is good. But many clients still delay payments. Just keep reminding them when invoices are overdue.
Contracts are only effective if you enforce them. I learned this myself after creating great payment terms that clients ignored. Now I keep it straightforward with net 15 terms, but here’s the important part: no final payment, no files. They can view the work, but they won’t get anything until the payment clears. It may sound tough, but it gets results. Clients who resist this are often the ones who won’t pay.