Comments on: Dude, Where’s My Check?

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:37:17 +0000

Yep, higher rates, 50% up front, a statement in contracts that if the money stops coming I stop writing. (I soften that with the reverse, but I won't stop ;) )

I'll add a 15 day notice.

My solution to foreign checks is paypal and western union... won't accept foreign checks because it freaks us banks out... stupid, but there it is.

By: Paula

Paula — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:48:42 +0000

I was patient with a long-time client who is past due on a measly $160 invoice. (No, I haven't written anything for them since.) Each month they said they'd pay soon, plus a bonus. Last week I e-mailed the accountant and the publisher and said it's been long enough. If you can't pay now, we'll arrange a payment plan. How pathetic is it when a magazine publisher jumps at the payment plan for such a small fee?

I'll have to start adding a due date on my invoices...

As for the Canadian checks. I had a check from a Canadian bank with a US presence, written in US dollars and my former bank wanted to assess a $40 "foreign check processing fee" and delay depositing my funds for 4-6 weeks. All this despite the bank's stated policy (which I pointed out to the teller and her manager) was no fee for US funds drawn on foreign banks with US branches. Luckily I have accounts at another bank, which deposited it immediately. Oh, the best part? That first bank collapsed less than two weeks after the first bank tried charging me $40 and holding my cash hostage for several weeks. The parent company of the bank that took it over? Canadian.

By: Jenn Mattern

Jenn Mattern — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:58:56 +0000

Absolutely right on pay rates. The majority of higher paying clients I've worked with just pay the invoice. No complaints, no delays. And when that does happen (rare) it's generally an issue like the client being on vacation, where I should have invoiced a bit early. Cheap clients tend to have a death grip on everything like it's their last dime. And they expect the world for it. More professional clients treat you like a professional, and pay accordingly because they understand your value and respect the work you do. You aren't just some replaceable body behind a computer.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:49:36 +0000

One thing I have often wondered about is why some people will continue to take on work from clients or publications when they haven't been paid for stuff they did months ago?

No matter what the reason is, if they didn't pay you for previous work, there's no guarantee that you will get money for current projects. Maybe you will, but it's like playing Russian Roulette.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:24:33 +0000

Contracts, contracts, contracts, and late fees. When they realize you're serious about late fees, they start paying on time.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:16:07 +0000

Hi, Diane! Thanks for the link. :)

Cathy, great point. Definitely get the deposit on the larger stuff.

Sam, glad you realize you're worth more. :))

By: whatlittlethings

whatlittlethings — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:50:18 +0000

Thanks for this advice, Lori. It speaks a lot to not undervaluing myself as a writer. =)

Sam

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:08:09 +0000

Getting 50% deposits on projects and for smaller gigs, requiring payment in full upfront.

Like you, Lori, I specify the Pay within... on my invoices.

And I agree, raising your fees does seem to attract clients that you don't have to chase for payment.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:03:27 +0000

Thanks for this timely post, Lori. I've added a link to mine. :o)