To call freelance writing a tough field would be an understatement. In addition to facing fierce competition for good clients, most writers are constantly on the hunt for new jobs. Since there generally isn’t enough work to go around, those who pursue this line of work often find themselves in perpetual belt-tightening mode. As such, it’s no surprise that many freelance writers place tremendous importance on timely payments. However, when a client fails to release compensation on an agreed-upon date, it can put contractors in a very uncomfortable position. Novice and experienced freelance writers who want to make late payments a thing of the past would be wise to heed the following tips.
- Set up Automatic Payments
Automatic payments generally aren’t the best option for one-time clients, but when it comes to clients you work with on a regular basis, they can prove tremendously helpful. For example, if you consistently accept jobs from a certain client, setting up automatic payments ensures that you’ll be compensated for your efforts on an agreed-upon date every month. This will ultimately save you the trouble of reaching out to your contacts at a company whenever you wish to collect payment. Since setting up automatic payments often involves sharing sensitive financial information, it’s in your best interest to be selective about which clients you enter into this arrangement with.
- Send Invoices
When working with a client that doesn’t offer automatic payments, the speed at which you’re compensated may directly correspond to the speed at which you send out your invoice. Some contractors make the mistake of waiting for clients to request invoices – which frequently results in payments being received later than they would like. In the absence of automatic payments, the task of tallying up your various tasks and work hours falls squarely on you. If you fail to take the initiative and send out an invoice in a timely manner, it’s unfair to expect a quick payment. Furthermore, when putting together an invoice, it’s recommended that you make the document look as professional as possible. To that end, make sure to create your invoices online at Aynax.com.
- Keep Your Frustration in Check
Being angered or frustrated in response to a late payment is perfectly understandable. After all, a single late payment can have a troubling snowball effect if a contractor is unable to pay their rent, buy groceries or afford bills without that money. However, when contacting a client in response to an unprocessed payment, it behooves you to keep your anger in check. The vast majority of late payments are the direct result of miscommunications and processing mishaps, not human error. Adopting a standoffish attitude when dealing with late-paying clients will only serve to damage your professional relationships.
Late payments are a problem for contractors in every industry – and freelance writing is no exception. However, this isn’t to say that writers need to accept tardy payments as an unavoidable fact of life. In the quest for timely compensation, there are numerous steps you can take to ensure that your payments are collected in an expedient and stress-free manner.
