I have had my share of problem clients who I have worried at times would not pay me. In response to years of experience of this ongoing problem, I have a few suggestions how to get paid. It took some trial and error on my part, but now I rarely have problems getting paid unless a client is really terrible or has completely gone out of business. I have seen so many posts lately about non-payment, I just had to say something on this re-occuring subject.

1. Never just fax an invoice and assume it will get paid. If it has been over 30 days, get a big past due stamp, stamp it, and refax your invoice. At 45 days, despite how busy you are or how you might feel like a pest about calling - CALL!!!! Talk to someone, leave a voicemail message if necessary, but make notes about the day you called, time, who you talked to/left message for, extention number, department, what they told you, etc. If no one calls back by the next day (because you left a voicemail), call again until you speak to a live person and they can give you some type of answer as to where your money is.

2. Be nice - despite whether you want to be or not. Even if the person on the other end of the phone is completely evil, be even nicer or ask to speak to someone else who can act professional and sane - and put it to that person in that manner. Many times they will calm down and get on with their job.

3. When you get an answer, such as expect a check by this day or the end of the week, and it doesn't happen, call again as soon as you know it has not arrived. Don't wait and give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe they really forgot or it is sitting on someone's desk or ~something~. Either way, they will know you are totally serious and many times your check will arrive in no time.

4. Don't threaten anyone unless you really, truly mean it and will follow through. Know your rights before you make any threats. This doesn't always mean having to pay someone for advice, many of us know someone in this field who has dealt with this issue before or is an attorney. Go pick their brain and find out what you can or do some research yourself. Either way you will save yourself from looking bad.

5. Be persistant and remember this is YOUR money. You worked for it, earned it, and you deserve it. If you have any reason to think a situation might get out of hand, take action and talk to someone BEFORE it gets out of hand. Get the client's policy in writing about how they pay - such as you bill them, they auto-pay, you have to mail the bill, or fax it to a certain number, or their pay cycle (15-30-45-60 days). Even if they are a new client and sending lots of work, make sure you are getting paid after a month of service - period. If not you might end up being owed thousands and they move on to their next victim. Even go as far as choosing a limit as to what they can owe you before you will do more work. Once you make a rule, don't bend for this or that reason - stick to your guns. You will be happier that you did, and much happier when you get paid in a timely fashion.

Any other thoughts??? Hope this can help someone!!!




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