Just had a client ghost me after two weeks of radio silence on an overdue invoice. Starting to feel the frustration creep in. How do you all keep your cool and handle these situations without burning bridges? Seems like a fine line between being firm and coming off as aggressive.
Been there, done that. Unpaid invoices are a pain, but staying cool is key.
Here’s my approach:
- Email reminders: Start with a friendly nudge
- Phone call: Sometimes hearing a voice does the trick
- Final notice: Set a clear deadline, mention consequences
- Stop work: If they’re still silent, pause everything
I’ve learned to spot red flags early. If a client’s always late, I might bump up my rates or ask for upfront payment next time.
One thing that’s helped me is having a solid contract. It spells out payment terms and what happens if they don’t pay. Gives me something to fall back on.
Remember, it’s just business. Don’t take it personally. If they’re ghosting you, it’s their problem, not yours.
At the end of the day, if they’re not paying, they’re not a real client. Focus your energy on the ones who value your work and pay on time.
Look, don’t let it get to you. Been there plenty of times. First off, send a polite reminder email. Just the facts: invoice number, due date, amount. If that doesn’t work, pick up the phone. Sometimes folks just need a nudge. If they’re still dodging, lay out the consequences clearly. Late fees, work stoppage, whatever your policy is. No need to get worked up, just stick to your guns. Remember, it’s business, not personal. If all else fails, might be time to write it off as a lesson learned and move on. Not worth the stress chasing bad clients.
I’ve found keeping a paper trail helps. Send a friendly reminder email first, then follow up with a call if needed.
If they’re still not responding, I’ll send a final notice with a clear deadline. After that, I stop all work until it’s sorted.
Sometimes it’s just an oversight. But if they’re consistently late, I might reconsider working with them in the future. It’s not worth the hassle chasing payments all the time.
Eh I just call and ask for my money. Keep it simple you know?
In my business, I’ve learned that a mix of persistence and patience works best for unpaid invoices.
I start with a friendly email reminder. If no response, I follow up with a phone call after a week. Sometimes invoices slip through the cracks, and a quick chat sorts it out.
If still nothing, I send a formal letter stating the invoice details and potential consequences like late fees. I always leave room for them to explain any issues.
One time, a client was going through a rough patch. We worked out a payment plan, and they became one of my most loyal customers.
Remember, most clients aren’t trying to stiff you. Clear communication and a calm approach usually resolve things without burning bridges.
If all else fails, I weigh the cost of pursuing payment against the value of the client relationship. Sometimes it’s best to chalk it up to experience and move on.
I just send a few reminders and call 'em up if they don’t pay. No point getting all worked up about it. If they still don’t pay, I just move on to the next job.