Hi everyone,
  I had a new experience this past month on charging a 3% late charge for invoices over 30 days old.
  It was interesting, as my total monthly finance charges were $81.00 all together. I didn't have one client pay the finance charge and one clients sent a note in with their check that stated "We don't pay finance charges." I received a contract from one client that states in the contract that they don't pay late charges (a different client than the included note client.)I would
like to know who charges late charges and how successful they are.
  I gave my clients a written 45 day notice that we would be charging a late fees beginning on a certain date. 
  Are they legally bound to pay late fees? Of course I'm not going to lose a fairly good client over a 3% charge. I don't charge every client a late fee, only those who are consistently having to ask over and over for a payment.
  I have tried more than once to set a late charge on my difficult to collect clients over the years  and always have the same result. Am I missing some magic formula?
  It just amazes me at how arrogant some clients are about paying and setting rules to suit themselves. I can just see how far I would get if I refused to pay a late fee to the phone co. and just stated "I don't pay late fees." 
  Anyway, I would be interested in hearing any of your experiences.

Good day,
Sharon