It's important to have a clear payment policy in place before starting any work with a client. If a client is not paying you on time, the first step is to send a polite reminder email or call them to inquire about the status of the payment. If this does not work, you can send a formal demand letter outlining the amount owed, the due date, and the consequences of non-payment. If the client still does not pay, you may need to consider taking legal action or hiring a collections agency.
One way to prevent late payments is to have a clear payment policy in place that outlines your payment terms, including due dates and consequences for late payments. You can also consider requiring a deposit or partial payment upfront before starting any work. Another option is to use invoicing software that sends automatic reminders to clients when payments are due.
Late payments can have a significant impact on a freelancer's cash flow and ability to pay bills and expenses. It can also cause stress and anxiety, as well as damage the freelancer's relationship with the client. In some cases, late payments can also lead to legal action or the need to hire a collections agency, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Yes, it is common practice to charge interest on late payments. This can be outlined in your payment policy or included in a demand letter. The interest rate should be reasonable and in line with industry standards.