Before you start any project, get a deposit. It could be 25%, 50%, or a flat fee — depending on the project. That’s a rule. Make that your policy. Clients who won’t pay you a deposit are going to be a pain in the ass later.
That’s step 1 to ensuring you get paid.
Once you’ve completed your project, received and implemented the last item of feedback, and both you and the client are happy with the final result, you need to get an official “sign-off” on the project.
A sign off says the client is happy with your work, and the project is officially complete. Any changes, updates, or new requests will cost additional money. This protects you from the client milking you for every last drop.
Sign up for a free HelloSign account at:
https://bradhussey.ca/hellosign
…and create a sign off form. You can easily send the form to your client, and they can digitally sign the document.
After receiving official sign off, request your final payment BEFORE you hand everything over and launch the project!
Receiving a deposit upfront is a good indication the client is serious, but you can never be too careful about receiving final payment.
You will have outlined in your contract that you’ll require final payment in order to hand everything over, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to your client when you ask for final payment in order to launch.
In summary, here’s how you ensure you get paid on time, every time…
- Get everything in writing.
- Sign a contract.
- Get a deposit BEFORE starting anything.
- Sign off when the project is complete.
- Get your final cheque before handing over the project.
You win, the client wins.
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Thank you SO much for hanging out with me the past few weeks. We learned all about starting our freelance business from scratch, deciding on an expertise and audience niche, where to find your first paid client, onboarding new leads, tools of the trade, dealing with difficult clients, crafting a portfolio, and finally how to get paid!
If you’ve been watching these videos for the last few weeks and haven’t downloaded my free roadmap, for goodness sake, join my free 7-Step Freelancing Roadmap!
It’s a free guide for those who desire to start a freelance business from scratch but have no experience, no clients and no idea where to start. You’ll get a complimentary 68 page eBook, plus a 7-day email course that takes you by the hand, and sheds light on what it takes to get YOUR freelance business off the ground!
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Here’s to you and your Freelancing Success!
