How to Get Clients to Pay Faster: 7 Proven Strategies
Late payments are the number one cash flow killer for freelancers. 87% of freelancers report being paid late at least once. Here are 7 proven strategies to get your clients to pay faster and keep your business running smoothly.
In This Guide
1. Set Clear Payment Terms Upfront
Before starting any project, establish crystal-clear payment terms:
✓ Due date - "Payment due within 15 days of invoice date" ✓ Late fees - "1.5% monthly interest on overdue invoices" ✓ Accepted methods - "We accept credit card, bank transfer, and PayPal"
Include these terms in your contract AND on every invoice. When terms are clear, there's no room for "I didn't know" excuses.
2. Invoice Immediately (Don't Wait)
The biggest mistake freelancers make: waiting weeks to send invoices.
✓ Invoice the same day you complete work ✓ For ongoing projects, invoice at regular intervals (weekly or bi-weekly) ✓ Set a calendar reminder to invoice on the same day each week
Studies show that invoices sent within 24 hours of project completion are paid 60% faster than those sent a week later.
3. Make Payment Ridiculously Easy
Remove all friction from the payment process:
✓ Accept credit cards - Clients can pay in 10 seconds ✓ Include a "Pay Now" button - Direct link to payment page ✓ Offer multiple options - Card, bank transfer, PayPal, Stripe ✓ Use professional invoicing software - Not Word docs or Excel
The easier it is to pay, the faster you get paid. Period.
4. Send Automatic Payment Reminders
Set up automated reminders so you don't have to chase payments manually:
✓ 3 days before due - Friendly reminder invoice is coming due ✓ On due date - Payment is now due ✓ 3 days overdue - Gentle follow-up ✓ 7 days overdue - Firmer reminder ✓ 14+ days overdue - Final notice with late fee warning
With Quidbill, these reminders are sent automatically. You never have to write an awkward payment request again.
5. Require Deposits for Large Projects
Protect your cash flow with upfront deposits:
✓ 50% deposit for new clients ✓ 25-30% deposit for established relationships ✓ Milestone payments for long projects
Deposits reduce your risk and ensure clients are committed before you start work.
6. Offer Early Payment Discounts
Incentivize fast payment with small discounts:
✓ "2% discount if paid within 5 days" ✓ "Pay within 48 hours and save 5%"
This works especially well with larger invoices. A 2% discount on a $5,000 invoice is $100—worth it for cash flow certainty.
7. Know When to Fire Bad Clients
Some clients are chronic late payers. Consider:
✓ Requiring full prepayment for future work ✓ Adding a "rush fee" for their projects ✓ Politely ending the relationship
Your time chasing payments is time you're not earning money. Sometimes the best strategy is to find better clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average time freelancers wait to get paid?
The average freelancer waits 30-45 days to get paid after invoicing. By implementing these strategies, you can reduce that to under 14 days.
How much should I charge for late fees?
1-2% per month is standard and legal in most jurisdictions. Always check your local laws. State the late fee policy clearly in your contract and on every invoice.
Should I stop work if a client doesn't pay?
Absolutely. After 30 days overdue, pause all work until payment is received. Communicate this professionally and in writing.
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