So you’re a freelancer and getting booked. You’ve worked hard on the project, turned it in on time with no complaints. 30 days go by……no check, no direct deposit. What do you do now? Well you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve been a freelancer for almost one full year and I have ran into a few issues that I feel should be touched on because I couldn’t find advice on any of the topics that helped me. Today we are going to touch on payment as a freelancer. Before I touch on how to deal with nonpayment first lets talk about what you can do to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Communication:
-Always make sure to keep a steady line of communication with whomever is cutting your check. Make sure to touch on making a contract and if no contract is made make sure to lay down terms via email (so you have references)
Contract:
-DON’T DO WORK WITHOUT A CONTRACT. I have made this mistake many times and I have always ran into so many issues. Use a contract to define your payment terms.
Now lets hit some main points to know how to handle nonpayment.
First, you need to make sure you have waited 30 business days before inquiring about an outstanding invoice, unless otherwise stated in your contract. After 30 days follow up with a email and attach he invoice to each email so they know which one is being referenced.
If they haven’t respond to your emails I would suggest going forward with a demand letter which can be found here via The Freelancers Union.
The Freelancers Union is a great resource for all freelancers based in New York. You can file complaint forms through their email and they will help try to get your invoice paid. They can also help with advice if you do have to go to court.
I used their website during the times I had nonpament issues and things have gone fairly well.
Lastly, remember that you are the only freelancer to have to fight for their payment (unfortunately), so just remain calm and professional and everything will turn out in your favor.