I’ve got a growing list of clients who haven’t paid up. Some are a few days late, others weeks overdue. It’s getting harder to keep track of who owes what and for how long.
Anyone else struggle with this? How do you stay on top of unpaid invoices without spending hours each week chasing payments?
I just keep a list on my phone. Check it when I remember. If someone’s real late, I give 'em a call. Not much else to it. Don’t stress too much about it.
I use a basic system that works well. Google Sheets with client info, invoice details, and due dates.
Every Monday, I check it and send reminders. Quick emails for slightly late ones, calls for the rest.
For chronic late payers, I now ask for partial payment upfront. Saves a lot of hassle in the long run.
Keep it simple and stick to a routine. Most clients pay up with a friendly reminder.
I’ve been there, Emma. Chasing payments is a pain.
Here’s what works for me:
I use a simple Google Sheet. Columns for client name, invoice number, amount, due date, and days overdue. Sort by days overdue to see who’s late.
Every Monday, I spend 30 minutes on this. Email reminders for 7+ days late. Phone calls for 14+. It’s part of my routine now.
For repeat offenders, I started asking for 50% upfront. Cuts down on late payers real quick.
Also, make sure your payment terms are clear on every invoice. ‘30 days’ can mean different things to different people.
Don’t let it eat up your time. Set a schedule, stick to it, and focus on your actual work. Most clients just need a nudge.
I feel your pain. Late payments are a real headache.
Here’s my no-frills system:
I color-code rows:
For the reds, I stop work until paid. Learned that the hard way.
One trick: I offer a small discount for early payment. Surprising how many clients take it.
Don’t stress too much. Most pay eventually. Focus on finding good clients who value your work. They’re worth way more than fancy invoicing software.
I just scribble reminders on sticky notes. Works fine for me.
Simple system’s all you need. Spreadsheet with client names, invoice amounts, due dates. Check it once a week. Anything 7 days late, send a reminder. 14 days, make a call. 30 days, stop work and get serious about collecting.
Don’t waste time with fancy software. Just stay consistent with your follow-ups. Most clients pay when nudged. For the real problem ones, learn to spot red flags early and don’t work with them again. Saves headaches down the road.