Although I have little trouble getting new clients, I need to work on foolproof payment guidelines. Many clients are agreeing to the terms but when it comes to paying, they defer-defer-defer. Next week, no the next week, next month. They KNOW it is Due on Receipt, but when the time comes - they don't. There are lots of excuses.
So I asked for half of the quoted price up front and the rest upon completion. I got the "up front" but again, the rest of the payment is up to 3 months late. I know if I try to switch to retainers, I will lose many clients. But, in order to get timely payments, I may have to insist on retainer and lose the less reliable clients in favor of those that agree to the terms. Are there any other options that I don't know about?
Although I have little trouble getting new clients, I need to work on foolproof payment guidelines. Many clients are agreeing to the terms but when it comes to paying, they defer-defer-defer. Next week, no the next week, next month. They KNOW it is Due on Receipt, but when the time comes - they don't. There are lots of excuses.
So I asked for half of the quoted price up front and the rest upon completion. I got the "up front" but again, the rest of the payment is up to 3 months late. I know if I try to switch to retainers, I will lose many clients. But, in order to get timely payments, I may have to insist on retainer and lose the less reliable clients in favor of those that agree to the terms. Are there any other options that I don't know about?