Freelancers Identify Your Non-Paying Clients Better & Get Your Money - Part 2

You slogged, met your client’s deadline, sent an invoice and an email. 

All you received in response is a short note saying - ‘Thank you for the work, we will get back to you’ Or ‘You will receive your payment soon. Thank you’

It's been ages since that note arrived and still no sign of that paycheck. Here is what you can do.

Tips to get your Money Back

• Write a friendly E-Mail reminder – Your Email must state:

1. The reason you are contacting (obviously, your pay is pending)
2.  Let them know the project is complete
3.  Ask them if there is anything they need
4.  Ask them when they will pay
5.  Ask them if they need a copy of the invoice

Usually, you will get the response. 

In case you do not, and if it is an on-going project with a monthly remuneration then stop work till you get paid unless the contract states otherwise. Let them know in any case, do not let the amount accumulate, you may not get paid ever. So, look for newer clients.

• Make a call – If you do not get any response to your Email, then get on a call with them. You will hear some sob story which you can ignore but wait till you hear when you can expect the pay.

• Go up the ladder – If you can connect with the Editor or Content Manager or even the Accounting Department. You can try the CFO.

• Charge 2%- 5% late fee – Resubmit a bill/ invoice with 2 - 5% late fee each month until the amount is paid. This shakes up the client a little and does the trick as the client will not want to pay a higher amount if they drag the matter.
  The client will not sit on the bill forever, knowing fully well that they will have to face the consequence and that you will not go away without the pay.

5.   Damage reputation in social media – Tweeting and Shaming the Client online often leads to a rapid response as every company is paranoid about social media reputation. However, keep it professional and factual. Do not be rude and no name calling as it may have an opposite effect.

In my next blog, you will read about ways you can avoid being ripped off, so stay tuned. Till then write in about your experiences and the way you tackled the situation.

Adios until then.