Clients often seem shocked when I nudge them about late payments. Is it my fault for not being explicit from the beginning?
I typically go with “Net 30” on invoices, but I feel I need to clarify things better. How do you approach setting payment timelines before diving into a project?
Yeah, clients get shocked because most freelancers suck at explaining payment stuff upfront. I learned this the hard way.
Now I cover payment terms on our first call:
I also put it in writing before we start. Not some scary legal contract, just a basic outline of what we’re doing and how payment works.
The key is making it sound normal and professional, not like you’re expecting them to be deadbeats. Most people appreciate the clarity once you frame it right.
Add payment terms to your contract, not just the invoice. Net 30 gives them 30 days, but I tell clients upfront I’ll follow up at 35 days and hit them with late fees after 45. People pay way faster when they know you’re serious about deadlines. Also, ask about their payment process in that first meeting. Some companies need 60 days because of internal bureaucracy, so bump up your pricing to cover that hassle.
Always include deposit requirements in your initial quote. I ask for 50% upfront, then the remaining balance within 10 days of completion.
This separates serious clients from tire-kickers instantly. Good clients don’t blink at deposits - bad ones immediately start complaining.
Saves you from working for people who’ll ghost you when it’s time to pay.
I just tell them when I expect payment before I start. Saves headaches later.
I usually ask for half upfront and half when done.
I put payment terms right in my project proposal now. Learned this after chasing payments for months.
My proposal has a section that says “Payment due within 15 days of invoice date. I send invoices when the project’s done” or whatever fits the job. They see it before agreeing to work with me.
I also bring it up during our planning conversation. Something casual like “Just so you know, I’ll invoice when we wrap up and you’ve got two weeks to pay.” Makes it part of normal business chat.
No shock factor when they already agreed to your terms upfront. They can’t act surprised about something they signed off on.
Also found shorter payment windows work way better than Net 30. People treat 15 days like it’s urgent but 30 days like a suggestion.