Just started freelancing and feeling out of my depth with payment negotiations. Clients seem to expect long payment terms, but I need cash flow. How do you handle this balance?
Not sure if I should push for shorter terms or just accept what’s offered to build my portfolio. Any war stories from when you were starting out?
I usually ask for a deposit before starting work. Covers my costs and shows they’re serious. After that, weekly or biweekly payments work for me. Keeps the cash flowing.
Been there, done that. Payment terms were a nightmare when I started out.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
I use a 30/30/40 split now. 30% to kick off, 30% at the halfway point, 40% on delivery. It keeps cash flowing and clients invested.
For quick jobs, I go 50/50. Half to start, half when I’m done.
Don’t cave on terms just to land a gig. It’s tempting, but it’ll bite you later. I once agreed to net 60 for a “big opportunity.” Guess who spent months chasing that final payment?
Remember, you’re not just doing the work. You’re running a business. Good clients respect that. The ones who don’t? They’re usually more trouble than they’re worth.
Stick to your guns. You’ll thank yourself later.
Look, you’re new, but don’t let clients push you around on payment. I’ve been there and it’s not worth the headache.
Here’s what works: 50% upfront, 50% on delivery. For big jobs, break it into milestones. 25% to start, then 25% chunks as you hit targets.
If they won’t go for it, walk away. Seriously. You’ll waste more time chasing payments than finding better clients.
Remember, you’re not a bank. You need cash to keep the lights on. Good clients get it. The ones who don’t? They’re usually trouble down the road anyway.
Stick to your guns on this. It’ll save you a world of hurt later on.
Dunno man just ask for half up front and rest later
When I started out, I made the mistake of agreeing to net 30 or even net 60 terms. Big ouch for cash flow.
Now I do milestone payments for bigger projects. Like 25% to start, 25% at the halfway point, 25% at first draft, and 25% on completion. For smaller jobs, I ask for 50% upfront.
If a client balks, I explain it’s how I keep my business running and deliver good work. Most understand. The ones who don’t usually aren’t great clients anyway.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. You’re running a business, not a charity. Good clients respect that.
One time I bent over backwards on payment terms for a “big opportunity” client. They ghosted me after the work was done. Lesson learned the hard way.
I keep it simple. Half payment upfront, rest on completion.
For longer projects, I break it into milestones with payments at each stage. Helps with cash flow and keeps the client engaged.
If a client refuses, I walk away. Not worth the hassle of chasing payments later. Plenty of fish in the sea.