I'm seething mad right now -- I just want to spit. I did some travel writing blogs for a client and he hasn't paid me. He's on vacation! The nerve. How do we writers protect ourselves from dastardly clients like this? So much for professionalism and ethics. I'm more upset with myself. I've read some blogs that say to collect 50% up front. Of course, if you write for a magazine, you'll get paid when the article runs. Help!
What do you if a client doesn't pay?
(3 posts) (3 voices)
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Hi Duchess
First, take a deep breath, count to 10, and let it go. Feel a little more relaxed? Good.
I always like to give clients the benefit of the doubt. Yours may be on vacation, but that doesn't mean he won't pay up when he gets back......do be sure to send a nicely worded reminder. AND call him to inquire about when you can expect to receive your check.
If he still doesn't pay up, you do have options (depending on how much he owes you) that range from hounding him to sending it to a collections agency, or small claims court. But don't work yourself into a tizzy over it until it's necessary.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Duchess,
This is a hot topic right now! I was on LinkedIn and a woman is sending her client a collection letter through her lawyer. I was reading a freelance writing blog and another freelancer is having difficulty collecting for a marketing manual she wrote; she didn't have a contract in place with the client.
Here are some tips...
1. Make sure you put your "terms" on your quotes and invoices. What are your terms? 30-days net? 20-days net? Do you require 50% up front? The client needs to know this.
2. Before you accept an assignment, think about it. You have every right to decide if you want to take it. If you don't receive a good feeling, decline the assignment.
3. Did your client pay your straightaway on another invoice? If so, it's obvious that you'd expect them to pay you promptly. However, did you raise your rates? Your client could be pouting (I've heard this could happen). Keep hounding your client until you receive payment. Also, if you're client is withholding payment because you raised your rates, you may want to ask yourself, "...do I really want this client?" Think about it.
4. Contact a collection agency / lawyer as a last resort. This step could suck the energy out of you. It may not be worth it but that's for you to decide.
5. Workout your emotions. Go for a walk, run, hike, etc...Clear it out of your system.
6. Affirm that you'll only work with ethical and upstanding clients. You may consider creating a client questionnaire in addition to speaking clients. Again, if you don't get a good feeling, walk away from a potential client.
7. Realize that you're not the only freelancer who hasn't experienced this. It sucks, I get it. But it will make you a stronger, freelance writer. And it will make you a stronger business woman.Take a deep breath, go meditate, and realize this too shall pass
Posted 1 year ago #
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