After all of your hard work and effort, you’re eagerly awaiting your just desserts. But what happens if your payment simply isn’t forthcoming?
Follow these steps and suggestions to help that payment get to your account quickly!
The Best Defense Is a Solid Offense
When you take on a project, be sure to lay out a professional contract or letter of agreement with your client. Spell out your invoicing process so that your client knows what to expect, and so that you know when to expect your payment.
Be Timely
Send an invoice soon after the final project is accepted, or according to your original agreement.
Follow Up
Once your invoice due date has passed, you’ll need to consider how soon you should first follow up with your client. Ideas range from 48 hours to one week for a friendly nudge.
However, writers who have an established business, or those who outsource their billing, may prefer to simply re-invoice the client on the next billing cycle. This is largely a matter of personal preference.
Call 'Em
After the first friendly reminder or second invoice, it’s really best to pick up the phone. A voice on the other end of the line will go a long way.
Once you’re past the above steps, the collection process may become a bit more complicated. The following are ways to take it to the next level.
Ask For Help
If your work was published, or was obtained through a contractual site, approach the third party for help.
Go To Your Rep
The National Writer's Union , the Freelancers Union and the Authors Guild offer mediation services for their members.
Go To The Experts
Another approach involves a writer’s advocacy website such as Writer Beware with Victoria Strauss and A.C. Crispin or "Whispers and Warnings at Writer’s Weekly.
The Last Resort
As a tactic of last resort, you could also consider filing a report on a consumer website such as ScamRadar or Ripoff Report.
Hopefully your work is paid somewhere along the above line of action. Taking a proactive approach throughout the collection process will aid in the recovery of your freelancing dollars.
