Client delaying process

[Jay]

Hi there

I am wondering if anybody out there can offer me some advice or suggestions regarding a writing job completed and submitted to my client. I finished the final draft of the job in late November, the client came back to me and said that his brief had changed somewhat and that he would require further changes to the content as a result. I have requested further feedback from him several times and yet he has hasn't provided me with any further direction to date. This means I can't finish the project by making the requested changes or invoice for work completed. As my payment terms are fortnightly, I am finding this really frustrating as the money owed is fairly substantial. Does anyone have any ideas so I can avoid this siutation arising again? How have other people managed this problem? Can anyone suggest any invoicing ideas that will address this issue?

Any ideas would be welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks
Jay

[Burgo]

I would be inclined to send your client an invoice, with a follow up phone call
If you dont get a reaction then put it in the hands of a debt collector.

Has the bird flown?

[KarenC]

You should issue progressive invoices every two weeks. I never let a job go more than a month, but try to stick to the two weeks progressive invoices. That way, you at least get paid up to the work you have completed. And if a new brief is required, then the job should be invoiced and paid in full and a new job begun according to the new brief.

I would issue an invoice immediately.

[Lisa Murray - Biz Coach]

I agree with the others about issuing an invoice. If the client quibbles, explain that if the brief has changed substantially, then you will need to provide a new quote. In the meantime, you require payment for work already completed!!

Generally it's useful to have written into your quote the terms of business, including progress payments or what happens if the client does not respond within stated timeframes.

cheers
Lisa

[LeelaCosgrove]

Oh do I know this one.

So, regardless of what happens with this job - you need to think about your payment terms.

I work as a writer (not a copywriter, but similar situation).

My terms are - 100% upfront payment for new clients.

For everyone else - 50% upfront, 50% on completion of project.

NEVER EVER ... do work without some kind of payment in the first place.

If people break your 50% on completion, they go back to 100% up front.

I have fired clients for not adhering - as a soloist you simply can't afford to spend too much time following up. If clients won't pay, consider it a small price to pay to get rid of them.

In the meantime, everyone is right - issuing an invoice for 70 or 80% of the job isn't a bad idea.

HOWEVER ...

Have you CALLED the client?

I know it's hard ... as writers ... to move into that headspace - but it's a lot easier to ignore an email ... a phone call is way harder.

When you send the invoice, also follow up with a phone call.

Email has made it really easy for people to hide ... if you keep emailing him, you can kiss your money goodbye.

If, on the other hand, you call him - you are more likely to get a response.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Burgo

I would be inclined to send your client an invoice, with a follow up phone call
If you dont get a reaction then put it in the hands of a debt collector.

Has the bird flown?

Hi Burgo

Thank you for your advice, I will send the invoice and also give him another call.

Kind regards
Jay

[Jay]

Originally Posted by KarenC

You should issue progressive invoices every two weeks. I never let a job go more than a month, but try to stick to the two weeks progressive invoices. That way, you at least get paid up to the work you have completed. And if a new brief is required, then the job should be invoiced and paid in full and a new job begun according to the new brief.

I would issue an invoice immediately.

Hi Karen

Yes, this a new learning curve for me........ I appreciate your ideas and advice and the progressive invoices seem like the way to go in the future. Thank you for your help.

Kind regards
Jay

[Jay]

Originally Posted by Lisa Murray - Biz Coach

I agree with the others about issuing an invoice. If the client quibbles, explain that if the brief has changed substantially, then you will need to provide a new quote. In the meantime, you require payment for work already completed!!

Generally it's useful to have written into your quote the terms of business, including progress payments or what happens if the client does not respond within stated timeframes.

cheers
Lisa

Hi Lisa

Thanks for your feedback, I will be firing off that invoice today! and yes, it's a good idea to put those payment terms within the invoice....... I thought I already had that covered to a certain extent with my invoice template to date, but it looks like I will need to review it again!

Many thanks
Jay

[Jay]

Originally Posted by LeelaCosgrove

Oh do I know this one.

So, regardless of what happens with this job - you need to think about your payment terms.

I work as a writer (not a copywriter, but similar situation).

My terms are - 100% upfront payment for new clients.

For everyone else - 50% upfront, 50% on completion of project.

NEVER EVER ... do work without some kind of payment in the first place.

If people break your 50% on completion, they go back to 100% up front.

I have fired clients for not adhering - as a soloist you simply can't afford to spend too much time following up. If clients won't pay, consider it a small price to pay to get rid of them.

In the meantime, everyone is right - issuing an invoice for 70 or 80% of the job isn't a bad idea.

HOWEVER ...

Have you CALLED the client?

I know it's hard ... as writers ... to move into that headspace - but it's a lot easier to ignore an email ... a phone call is way harder.

When you send the invoice, also follow up with a phone call.

Email has made it really easy for people to hide ... if you keep emailing him, you can kiss your money goodbye.

If, on the other hand, you call him - you are more likely to get a response.

Hi Leela

That's really good advice thank you. I haven't ever had any issue with client payments in the past, so this is new territory for me. I think your terms make real sense and I will start this approach with my new clients. Did you ever have any issues with anyone not wanting to pay upfront because you hadn't worked with them before?

Oh and yes, you are so right about the email verses the phone scenario. I do fall into that rut, as I find email less invasive and I also like to have email records of correspondence held. But, I agree it's better to pick up the phone and be directional in matters like these.

Thanks very much.

Kind regards
Jay

[KarenC]

Jay - re progressive invoices ...

On all my invoices I have terms Prepaid or 7 days maximum.
Then I send reminder statements each week till payment is made by fax not email. Sometimes the accounts department just doesn't see the invoice and the weekly reminder actually works.
I send it politely with a box in the middle saying 'Reminder - please make payment now. Thank you.'
Usually only one reminder works; rarely it goes to 2 or 3. But I remember to be consistent and make it weekly.