It’s been a while, and I’m stuck waiting for payment from a client. I’ve sent them several reminders, and despite changing my tone, I get no response.
Is there a more effective way to handle this situation that doesn’t involve just sending more emails?
Switch up how you’re reaching out. If you’ve been emailing, try texting or hitting them up on whatever platform you usually use for project stuff.
Clients lose invoices in their email chaos all the time. A simple text like “Hey, checking on that invoice from [date] - when can I expect payment?” often works way better than formal emails.
Other things to try:
Make it super easy for them to respond and pay. Once they start talking, you’ll figure out what’s really going on.
I just show up at their door politely
Hold off on more work. It might push them to pay up faster.
Skip the emails - send a certified letter. Creates a paper trail and shows you’re serious.
Still nothing? File a lien if your state allows it. Amazing how fast clients pay when their property or credit’s on the line.
Send a final notice with a 7-day deadline. Tell them you’ll pursue collections if they don’t pay. Most clients will respond once they see you’re serious. After the deadline passes, hire a collection agency or take them to small claims court. Don’t chase them forever - your time’s worth something.
Call them instead of emailing. Way harder to ignore a ringing phone than another message sitting in their inbox.
I started adding late fees to all new contracts after getting burned. Won’t help now, but it’ll protect you next time.
Call this client during business hours and ask when you can expect payment. Sometimes they just need that direct conversation to get moving.