10 Invoicing Tips For Freelancers To Get Quick Payments

When you first thought about quitting your nine to five job and going full-time freelancing, you thought about everything: where you would get your first clients, how you would negotiate a good price, and how much time it would take you to get the job done.

And it turns out you were right about everything! Your freelancing career hit the ground running, you were off to a great start, clients started pouring in, and there was enough work to keep you satisfied for months. But then you realised that you didn’t really pay that much attention on how you would charge them.

How to write an invoice? How to send it? Do you use third-party software or an app? Should it be formal or more casual? All these questions, and very few answers.

You realised that you spend way too much time chasing clients around just to get paid for your work. Well, if you are just getting ready to jumpstart your freelancing career, read on, because there is some valuable information below.

1. Do your homework

Find out who is paying you. Find their web address, their postal address, phone number, etc. Contact that person directly and try to establish a good professional connection with that person. Not only will you get paid properly and on time, but that person might also help you with any invoice writing troubles you might have.

2. Set a template

Getting a proper invoice template set up is probably one of the most important parts of getting paid fast.

3. Form your policies

People are weird, and getting them to pay can be a hard task. Make sure you form a set of rules and stick to them. Do you want a down payment? What is your payment mode? Will there be penalties for late payments?

4. Payment modes

Be flexible with payment modes. Offer your clients different options, like PayPal, making payments directly to banks, etc. It will make you look professional and make it easy for your clients.

5. Invoice fast

Don’t wait a month after doing the work to send the invoice. As soon as your client confirms he’s satisfied with your work – ask to get paid. It will also help your client because he can get it done and move on.

6. Stick to your price

Don’t be lenient when it comes to paying. If you agreed on a price, stick to it. If you change your rates after the work has started, you will hurt your business, badly.

7. Stay in touch

One of the most important aspects of getting paid on time is to keep in regular contact with your clients. Do not underestimate this.

8. Be polite

But also be professional. Everyone likes that. Don’t hesitate stating what you expect from your client, but make sure you do it in a professional and polite matter.

9. Follow-up

Just because you sent your invoice, it doesn’t mean your part of work is done. After sending the invoice, make sure you follow up your client with a phone call, to let him know your invoice was sent.

10. Get legal counselling

All of this is fine and dandy and will most likely help you get paid faster, but still – you must be prepared for that client which will mess everything up. Make sure you know a lawyer, you never know when you’ll need one.