Being a freelancer can be great.
you might pursue your passions, set your own schedule and work with interesting people.
Freelancers are plagued by the need to chase down payments owed to them.
“The day after I’m owed payment and I don’t get paid… I’m emailing people,” said Yolanda Evans, who has freelanced as a journalist.
Many freelancers report being ghosted by a publication, meaning the contracting outlet never replied and never remitted payment.
Others say it takes months to receive payments for anything from $200 to thousands of dollars.
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Despite sending an invoice with her draft, the outlet didnt pay her.
I knew that was wrong because my information is always on my invoice.
After sending her the right information, I never heard from her again.
Months after turning in the piece, Evans finally got paid.
Sadly, chasing down a check is something youll probably have to do eventually.
You do have some tools at your disposal, though.
Heres what you’re able to do to encourage your freelance clients to pay you on time.
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1.
Sign a Contract
Even if the work youre doing is for your best friend, sign a contract.
A contract that describes the scope of work (i.e.
topic, length, deadline, etc.
), your rate or fee, how and when you will be paid is critical.
A contract also prevents he said, she said disputes down the line.
Contracts dont need to be fancy or even drafted by a lawyer.
Finally, be sure both parties actually sign and date the document its not valid unless this happens!
Know Your Point of Contact
From the start, understand who youre working with.
For journalists, thats likely to be an editor.
For a consultant, it may be a project manager.
For a graphic designer, it may be a creative director.
In some cases, you may just be a number in a very large payment system.
Keeping a cool head throughout any remittance-related conversations may help ease the tensions on both sides.
The day after Im owed payment and I dont get paid… Im emailing people, said Evans.
Dont be afraid to be persistent in the pursuit of payment.
A lot of people wont push for their money, said Evans.
Go after the money that is yours.
However, if things remain stagnant, you do have some last-resort legal options to consider.
This is where the contract we mentioned earlier will be key.
This should only be considered as a last-ditch option.
Give them the chance to follow through and save the legal discussion for more dire situations.
Kristin Jenny is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
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