Unpaid invoices disrupt cash flow, strain client relationships and can take valuable time away from focusing on growing your business. Here’s how our white label copywriting team suggests you can minimise the risk of late or non-payment and handle such situations effectively when they arise.
Preventive Measures
The best way to handle unpaid bills is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Always start with a well-drafted contract that outlines payment terms, deadlines and what happens if payment is not made.
You should also request a deposit before beginning any project. Doing so not only secures your time but also filters out clients who may not be serious about paying. For larger projects, consider breaking up the payment into milestones, where a portion of the payment is due after each stage of work is completed.
Effective Communication
If a client does miss a payment, your first step should always be to communicate with them directly. Start with a polite reminder. Mistakes happen – sometimes an unpaid invoice is simply due to oversight. A friendly email or phone call can often resolve the issue quickly.
If the first reminder doesn’t work, follow up with a more formal communication. Outline the original payment terms and the consequences of non-payment, such as late fees or suspension of services. Be firm but professional.
Document all communication as much as possible in case they still don’t pay their bill.
Want To Cheat?
Legal Aid and Collection Agencies
When all else fails and a client still refuses to pay, it might be time to consider legal options or enlist the help of a collection agency. If the unpaid amount is significant, taking the client to small claims court could be worth considering. While this step is more time-consuming and might strain your relationship with the client, it can be an effective way to recover your money.
Hiring a collection agency is another option, particularly for larger debts. They’ll take a percentage of the amount recovered, but they have the expertise to deal with non-paying clients and often succeed where freelancers and small agencies cannot.
Putting these measures in place will make it a lot more likely that you get paid. Our white label copywriting team will also ensure that you deliver outstanding work to your client every time. Take a look at our wide range of white label copywriting services here.
