Navigating clients who question rates or delay payments can be frustrating. I’m considering a straightforward pricing guide to clarify expectations from the start.
Has anyone had success with a system that simplifies these payment conversations?
I just ask for half upfront now.
Learned this the hard way - your pricing guide needs real consequences, not just suggestions.
I’ve got a “What happens when payments are late” section that lays out the timeline. Weeks 1-2: friendly reminder. Week 3: formal notice plus late fees. After 30 days: work stops until they’re current.
Here’s the game changer - tier your pricing by payment terms. I give 3% off for paying upfront, standard rates for net 15, and charge more for net 30 or longer.
Fast payers get rewarded, slow payers cover the cost of me chasing them. Keeps it about business, not personal.
I put late fee info right in my pricing guide. Game changer when clients see:
- Base rates for each service
- Payment timeline (net 15)
- Late fee policy (2% per month)
- What happens after 60 days overdue
The late fees really work - people don’t want to pay extra for being lazy.
Also mention your preferred payment methods upfront. Clients will use ‘I thought you only took checks’ as a delay tactic otherwise.
Put your payment terms right in the pricing guide. Something like ‘50% upfront, rest due 15 days after we’re done’ works great. Sets expectations upfront. Once clients see it in writing, you’ll get way fewer payment headaches later.
Keep it simple. Be upfront about your rates. Saves confusion later.
Ditched net 30+ terms years ago. Now I do net 15 and require 50% upfront for anything over $500. Works great for filtering out problem clients - if they won’t put money down, they’re not worth it. Good clients actually like knowing the clear expectations.