🔥 Missing Payment

Please update your payment info + other solutions... We all deal with it at some point in our freelancing—clients who simply don't pay. Maybe they forgot. Maybe they moved on. Maybe they completed ripped you off. If you're tired of chasing down missing payments, then today's newsletter is for you. For starters, when a client doesn't pay, [here's what you should do](. More tips for finally getting paid below... 🔥 More in this newsletter: - Getting an Upfront Desposit: the Pros, Cons and Best Strategies [[LINK]( - How to Ask for Payment from Your Client Without Being Rude [[LINK]( - How to Handle A Client Invoice Dispute + Avoid it From Happening Again [[LINK]( Enjoy! Preston & the Millo Team PS: We've partnered with [Xero]( to get you 75% for the first 6 months you use their powerful-yet-simple accounting and business tools. [Learn more](. Getting a deposit upfront: the pros, cons and strategies Tired of the feast-or-famine freelance cycle? Upfront deposits might be your ticket to steady cash flow. Here's when and how to ask for them: When to request upfront payments: - Working with new clients - Long-term projects (3-4 weeks or more) - Clients with extended payment terms (NET30, NET60) Payment strategies to consider: - Deposits: 15-50% upfront - Milestone payments: Split payments based on project progress - Retainer model: Client books and pays for a set number of hours upfront How to ask without scaring clients away: - Explain how freelancing works and why steady cash flow matters - Be flexible on methods, but firm on getting paid upfront - Include the agreed strategy in your contract Remember, upfront payments protect you from non-paying clients and help manage your finances better. Don't be afraid to ask - it's a standard practice in freelancing. Want more details on implementing these strategies? [Check out the full article]( for tips on communicating with clients and choosing the right payment model for your business. 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. How to Handle A Client Invoice Dispute + Avoid it From Happening Again Ever had a client ghost you on payday? Here's how to handle invoice disputes like a pro: - Stay calm and professional - blowing up won't get you paid - Get on a call to understand their concerns - If reasonable, make changes and resend the invoice - If unreasonable, politely present evidence of your agreement - As a last resort, consider legal notices or collection agencies But the best strategy? Avoid disputes altogether: - Get clients through referrals to build trust - Communicate clearly and keep detailed records - Use clear proposals and contracts - Avoid scope creep - Consider upfront or monthly payments Remember, prevention is better than cure. Build trust, set clear expectations, and keep communication open to avoid invoice headaches down the road. Want more tips on smooth client relationships and getting paid on time? [Dive into the full article]( for email templates and step-by-step strategies. 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](.