How to Deal With a Freelance Client Who Doesn’t Pay
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Transcript of How to Deal With a Freelance Client Who Doesn’t Pay
7 Steps to Convince Non-Paying Clients to Pay What They Owe
Is Your Client Not Paying You?
What if every client you worked with decided to pay late, or not pay you at all?
If you’re dealing with a freelance client who won’t pay, and not sure what to do next...
...here are steps you can take to finally get paid what you’re owed!
...here are steps you can take to finally get paid what you’re owed!
Establish Rules from the Beginning1
Establish Rules from the Beginning1
Teach clients how to treat you! You’re the boss, remember?
Don’t let them mistreat you, not pay for your work, or get away with being unethical about a business deal.
Even if it takes more time than it’s worth, it’s often more important to establish
professional boundaries.
While you’re in the process of establishing boundaries, don’t do anymore workfor this client until you get paid.
While you’re in the process of establishing boundaries, don’t do anymore workfor this client until you get paid.
Determine the Causeof Non-Payment2
Determine the Causeof Non-Payment2
Sometimes, checks really do get lost, or the bank numbers were input incorrectly.
Figure out if the non-payment reason a legit issue or just a misunderstandingor technical problem.
Perhaps the issue is with the payment processor and not the client themselves.
Your job is to remain calm and determine the cause of the non-payment, then work to resolve it.
Exhaust All the Avenues3
Exhaust All the Avenues3
Do whatever you can to ensure that you’ve done your research and have exhausted all the avenues of getting their attention.
Try calling their office.
Try calling their office.
Ask friends or coworkers who you know worked with
this client & ask them about their
payment experience.
Try calling their office.
Ask friends or coworkers who you know worked with
this client & ask them about their
payment experience.
Do a search online and find
the client’s Twitter handle and reach out to the social
team.
Seriously, some companies are so disorganized that they never communicate with each other and have no idea what’s really going on.
Send Them a Warning Email4
Send Them a Warning Email4
If you truly feel like you’ve done everything you can (outside of legal force) send your non-payment client a warning email.
This will show them that you mean business and it can serve as written proof that you gave them ample time to rectify the situation.
Here’s an example that works!
Notice all of the methods used to contact them (to no avail) are listed, the exact dates, their promise, information about the contract, and written notice about further action.
Reach Out to a Lawyer for Help5
Reach Out to a Lawyer for Help5
If you truly feel like you’ve done everything you can (outside of legal force), send your non-payment client a warning email.
Have a lawyer friend send a letter (on their professional letterhead) stating that you plan to pursue this matter further, and that you’re applying X% fee to the invoice each month.
Mail this letter via snail mail with return receipt requested notifying them that they are X days overdue for payment and as per the contract you are owed $X.
If you’re not paid within X amount of time, you will pursue further legal action. Make sure you keep the receipt for when they sign for the letter.
You don’t even have to pay a lawyer to do this, just ask your friend if you can use their stationary.
You don’t even have to pay a lawyer to do this, just ask your friend if you can use their stationary.
Put the Client on Blast6
Put the Client on Blast6
Still not getting anywhere with a client who doesn’t want to pay? Follow through with your threats and put them on blast.
Call the client or
company out by name.
Call the client or
company out by name. Alert your entire
community via social media (like
a private Facebook group) or even on your
blog.
Call the client or
company out by name. Alert your entire
community via social media (like
a private Facebook group) or even on your
blog.
Warn other freelancers not to work
with them or use their services.
You’re not doing this out of spite, and you should still be respectable about your words, but make it known that clients can’t treat business owners this way.
Consider Small Claims Court7
Consider Small Claims Court7
There comes a time when you can either give up on getting paid, or pursue the matter via small claims court.
You could be spending your time and energy working with clients who actually want to pay you.
Be sure to weigh out the principle of the matter as well as how much you’ll get paid, and
any fees you’ll pay the court or a lawyer.
Sometimes it’s worth teaching your client (and
yourself) how the business side of
freelancing is to be conducted.
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