A recent article, Freelancer’s Guide to Getting Paid Online by John Rampton says that more than 70% of freelancers have reported having trouble getting paid for their services. Are you one of them?
Here are three tips to help you avoid the issue as a freelancer.
Investigate a client before starting a project
If you’re a freelancer working from home or in coworking offices like Denver Shared Office Space or Denver Virtual Office Space, do a research before accepting projects from a new client. Check his/her website or social media profiles to see how legit this client really is. You can also Google the client’s name to know if the client has a good reputation or a track record of skimping on payments to freelancers who have worked for them in the past.
Set up an agreement with the client
Make an agreement with the client that covers payment terms, the scope of the work, timelines, ownership of the work, disclaimers and provisions and cancellation terms. The agreement should primarily cover your payment terms which explain how and when you will be paid for your services. For instance, you expect payment fifteen days after you sent the invoice and get paid via PayPal or Wire Transfers.
Always ask for a deposit
Don’t hesitate to ask for a down payment, it’s normal in the industry. It will help you pay for your expenses as you work on a project and reduce the risk if the client holds back the final payment. It’s a common practice to ask for 50% down payment, 25% when the project is half done and 25% when the project is complete.
Conclusion
These tips will help you get credible clients that will reasonably and promptly pay for your services. As a thriving freelance worker, you may be looking for a workspace solution to give you a prestigious business address and help maximize your efficiency. YourOffice features a network of world-class business addresses. Each location offers both beautifully appointed short term offices and permanent individual office space. Our offices are move-in ready and equipped with top furnishings and technology that are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Any other tips to help you avoid trouble getting paid? Feel free to share your thoughts. You can also visit us on Twitter and Google Plus.
