![]() And, even better, they can remind you to remind your clients about overdue invoices. These tools also help you keep track of who hasn’t paid. And, many of these programs can accept payments, too. There are tons of programs that let you create, track, and send invoices. While some freelancers have to create invoices by hand (say, the plumber that drops by to fix your shower), most invoicing takes place online. You just need something that helps you keep track of which invoices you sent and to whom, the amount owed, the due date, and who has or has not paid. ![]() While there are lots of options that can help you keep your books in order, tracking invoices doesn’t need to be complicated. Use a spreadsheet or other finance apps to help you keep track of your cash flow. But as you grow your freelance business, you’ll eventually have enough clients and enough projects that you won’t be able to keep it all in your head. One of the easiest mistakes to make is to say, “I’ll remember,” when it comes to keeping track of freelance payments. A good rule of thumb is that if it feels like work, you should get paid for it. That’s usually a sign that they’re trying to get free work out of you. Watch out for “free work.” The client asks you to do a test project.Google the name of the company + lawsuit.See if there are complaints or negative reviews on review sites. Even posting something on a public forum might yield some information you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Or, they may listen to the details and tell you they think it’s a scam. They may have heard something about this client. ![]() But, even your social network can help you out. Hopefully, you’ve developed a strong network of people in your field that are familiar with your line of work. Beyond a quick Google search, there are other ways you can dig into your client’s past. This is a new working relationship, and both of you are taking a risk, so it’s always a good policy to trust, but verify. And “due diligence” doesn’t mean crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Make Sure Your Freelance Clients are LegitĬredible companies generally pay people for their services, so do your due diligence before agreeing to work for an individual or organization. The best way to make sure you get paid on time is to give your clients as many options (and opportunities) as possible. As crazy as it sounds, sometimes clients don’t pay because it’s difficult. How to Make Sure You Get Paid as a Freelancerīefore you worry about nonpayment, start by worrying about payment. Whether you’re just starting your freelance venture, or you’ve traveled this road before, we’ve got steps freelancers can take when a client won’t pay, and how to avoid getting slighted in the first place. But it’s hard to tell where a simple misunderstanding turns into outright nonpayment. In some cases, it’s just a misunderstanding-the invoice got lost, the accounts payable person was out of town, etc. It can be off-putting, especially for those new to freelancing, to realize a small number of clients just won’t do the right thing. Days, weeks, and months pass by without being paid for your freelance work. You talk with a client, learn their goals, give them excellent results, and then…nothing. One of the biggest cons of freelancing is that every now and then, you wind up doing work you don’t get paid for. But freelancing isn’t all independence and sunshine. We often talk about the benefits of freelance jobs-being your own boss, setting your own hours, and working on projects of your choosing are just a few.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |