The question: Does my client not pay me? I have to go to bed?
Ellie
It happens, that’s all I can say. And to continue working as a freelancer from the comfort of your home, you will have to accept it. One of the biggest benefits of working from home is being able to organize your time and dictate your own hours. The biggest problem we will have … is, unfortunately, the payment.
If the project is already confirmed and, better yet, if there are signed documents and agreements between you and the client, you can safely pursue this client by sending bomb-sized leads via email. The excuse of ‘My boss is harassing me for his pay’ cannot be used because …You are the boss! But you can say things like “I was wondering …” or “No rush, but when can I expect payment?” Or “My computer needs an update and I plan to do it tomorrow. Can I get paid soon?” “And maybe you can also say things like …” I heard a hurricane hit your state. How are you? I hope you are well. “Sometimes when you express your concern for their well-being and health, they will start to feel guilty and will pay you back.
Turning away customers won’t work very well in your favor because you still want their business, so don’t scold them. Maybe they’re trying to figure things out on their side or trying to get THEIR clients to pay them so they can pay you. It’s true. Some customers are just middle people. And if this is the case, they may need to make sure YOUR customers pay them so they can pay you.
Whether your customers pay you or not … is none of your business. It has nothing to do with you. The work has been done and the work has been delivered on time. You too SHOULD get paid whether your customers slip away or not! Remember that … and if your customer gives you the same line … say, “I really understand and sympathize with you, but … I can’t help you! Now when can I expect payment?”
Email them every other day. If they don’t respond, their senses should be tingling by now. The third time your email is ignored, say something firm but not rude. If they still don’t respond, send them another invoice. Some payment processors like paypal, stormpay, and ikobo allow you to send invoices to payers, so go for it. If this is the fifth time you’ve sent the email, send them repeat invoices every day.
By then, they should get the message.