10-09-2013, 01:16 AM
That sounds awful.
I've learned (through experience unfortunately) to always have a contract, request a percentage up front (at least for new clients), and to send an invoice promptly upon completion of work. If they don't pay, send another invoice, just to be sure they got it. I try hard to give the benefit of the doubt.
Remember that you're running a business. It's not at all rude to ask about payment, to request a down payment, and to pursue the payment that's due. If they get squinky about talking about payment, then it raises a red flag for me. If they have all intentions of paying me, why would they balk at talking about the nitty gritty of it?
I've learned (through experience unfortunately) to always have a contract, request a percentage up front (at least for new clients), and to send an invoice promptly upon completion of work. If they don't pay, send another invoice, just to be sure they got it. I try hard to give the benefit of the doubt.
Remember that you're running a business. It's not at all rude to ask about payment, to request a down payment, and to pursue the payment that's due. If they get squinky about talking about payment, then it raises a red flag for me. If they have all intentions of paying me, why would they balk at talking about the nitty gritty of it?