🔥 Payment Reminder

Please pay me. "Please pay me..." Sometimes it feels like that's what we're saying to our clients when their payments are overdue, right? It can feel a little...off. So if you need a new way to follow up on late or missing client payments, [try these 4 templates](. And if you'd rather let software do your client follow-up, then we recommend [Moxie]( or [Freshbooks](. Or best of all, stop asking for payment after a project is completed and [start requiring up-front payments](. 🔥 More in this newsletter: - What to Do When a Client Doesn’t Pay & How to Prevent It [[LINK]( - Net 30: What is It? + How It Can Affect You Getting Paid As A Freelancer [[LINK]( - How to Ask for Payment from Your Client Without Being Rude [[LINK]( Enjoy! Preston & the Millo Team What to Do When a Client Doesn't Pay & How to Prevent It Non-payment from clients is a painful reality for many freelancers. Whether it's due to financial issues, communication breakdowns, or plain dishonesty, not getting paid for your hard work can be frustrating and demoralizing. Here's what you can do: - Check your mindset - Remember, it's not your fault. Detach emotionally and focus on getting paid. - Reset expectations - Clearly communicate payment deadlines and consequences for non-payment. - Stop further work - Pause all work until past-due invoices are settled. - Be bold and persistent - Contact your client consistently, both by phone and email. - Involve others - Reach out to your client's stakeholders to apply pressure. - Send a formal demand letter - Document your grievance and threaten legal action. - Consider small claims court - Weigh the pros and cons of taking legal action. - Hire a lawyer or collection agency - As a last resort, bring in professionals to handle the situation. To prevent non-payment in the future: - Use contracts and invoicing tools - Research clients before accepting work - Get paid upfront - Trust your instincts By taking proactive steps and maintaining a professional approach, you can minimize the impact of non-paying clients and ensure a more stable freelance career. To learn more about handling non-payment and protecting your freelance business, [read the full article]( with sample demand letters, common mistakes to avoid, and a detailed checklist for getting paid. Net 30: What is It? + How It Can Affect You Getting Paid As A Freelancer Net 30 is a common payment term that gives clients 30 days to pay the full amount owed for services or products. While it can be a valuable tool for businesses, it's often misunderstood by clients. Here's what you need to know: How Net 30 Works: - The 30-day countdown starts from the invoice date - Weekends and holidays are included in the 30 days - Variations include Net 10, 15, 60, and 90 - Discounts can be offered for early payment (e.g., 1/10 Net 30 = 1% discount if paid within 10 days) - Late payment fees can be added to encourage on-time payment Advantages of Net 30: - Expands customer base by offering flexible payment options - Encourages clients to spend more compared to upfront payment - Provides a competitive edge over businesses that don't offer credit terms Disadvantages of Net 30: - Can reduce cash flow, especially for small businesses - Increases workload by requiring credit tracking and payment chasing - May reduce profit margins if discounts are offered Is Net 30 Right for Your Business? - Consider your financial stability and ability to wait for payments - Limit credit terms to trusted, reliable clients - Clearly communicate terms and expectations to clients By understanding the ins and outs of Net 30, you can make an informed decision about whether it's the right fit for your freelance business. To learn more about using Net 30 effectively and avoiding common pitfalls, [see the full article]( with detailed tips on incorporating Net 30 into your invoices and managing client expectations. How to Ask for Payment from Your Client Without Being Rude Chasing unpaid invoices is an unfortunate reality for many freelancers and solopreneurs. But how do you ask for payment without damaging your client relationships? Here are some tips: Before the due date: - Confirm the invoice was delivered - Send a friendly payment request - Be direct and attach the invoice - Consider using an invoicing tool to automate the process - Follow up as the due date approaches After the due date: - Send a reminder email highlighting the overdue payment - Mention any late payment penalties - If no response, call the client directly - During the call, introduce yourself and reference the project and unpaid invoice - After the call, send a follow-up email with the invoice and payment details Templates for polite payment requests: - 1 week before due date - On the due date - 1 week after due date - 1 month after due date - Text message script - Phone call script Tips for getting paid on time: - Research clients thoroughly before starting work - Create a legal contract with clear payment terms - Offer flexible payment options or request a deposit - Introduce late payment penalties While there's no foolproof way to avoid non-paying clients, these strategies can help minimize the risk and make the payment request process more manageable. Want to see the full email and phone scripts? Check out [the complete article]( for detailed templates you can adapt for your own use, plus more advice on handling clients who refuse to pay. Whew! If you made it this far—thanks for sticking with us. See you in next week’s issue of 🔥 Freelance Fire. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( [YouTube]( [LinkedIn]( Copyright © 2024 Millo, All rights reserved. You subscribed to this newsletter at Millo.co (previously GraphicDesignBlender.com). Thanks for subscribing. Our mailing address is: Millo 265 N Main Street Ste. D #229Kaysville, UT 84037 [Add us to your address book]( Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.