 Re: Client delaying process
Jay, this can be a tricky one.
I work on a monthly invoicing cycle, as that's what both my clients and my competitors do.
If I was quoting on a job to a specific brief my quote would include the total, but would allow for monthly payments of the work done to date. It would also include X number of hours for amendments/edits etc at no charge and note that changes to the brief would require changes to the quote. Above that, the quote would say that I charge $X per hour for amendments/edits that go beyond the allowed amount. I then keep in touch with the client as I go about where we are up to, let them know that an invoice for part of the project is coming etc, and to let them know if the project was looking like overrunning the original budget.
I notice that some people who have replied want payment upfront - I have to disagree with the "never" work without payment upfront (I have never worked WITH payment upfront!), as it really depends on your clients are and their policies as to whether or not this is workable. My clients are all large corporates and generally the rule - outside of the control of the person signing the invoice for payment - is that they will not pay the final $ on a job until the work is complete.
I guess it all depends on the nature of your relationship too. All of my clients are long term, monthly billing - the newest is just under two years old, and I have a few more than five years old (I have been in business 7 years, and still have my foundation clients). I'm in it for the long term relationships, and am prepared to give-a-little for cashflow knowing that I'm preserving a long term relationship.
As far as your immediate problem goes - it is time to invoice your client. Call them first, and say that as the project is dragging on unexpectedly, you plan to invoice for the work you have done to date.
But the lesson for the future is to look at your terms on your future quotes and in any contracts you have with clients. When I started my business I invested the $ in getting legal advice to get good contracts and terms in place, knowing that my clients will not live or die on whether they pay me on time (they are huge companies, mine is just me!) but that I would. I strongly recommend this as it can save you a lot of pain and cashflow problems!
WildAboutHarry
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