how to ask for payment without being rude

The reasoning is simple: As a freelancer, you are your own best asset. Do plenty of research to see what the current market and similar jobs in your area pay, using sites like Glassdoor and PayScale to collect relevant data. NOTE: If you want to finally hit the 6-figure mark with freelancing, make sure you check out my FREE Handbook to 6-Figure Freelancing. Something simple can work, like “Just a friendly reminder that this invoice is due on [date].” Check in again a few days after the deadline, just to give a reminder again or ask for an update. Appeared in G2 Crowd Learning Hub, The Good Men Project, and Pick the Brain, among other places. If a late fee is written into your contract, you should also mention this in your email. living FREE Ultimate Guide to Working from Home. If you turn to threats and direct accusations, you risk seeming unprofessional and tarnishing your reputation – and you’ll be less likely to get paid. She can often be found testing and writing about apps meant to enhance the workflow of freelancers, remote workers, and regular employees. Take my earning potential quiz and get a custom report based on your unique But, as time passes and your payment doesn’t come, you’ll need to take action yourself and ask for payment directly. Do not lie or underestimate the time that it … gather and organize payment documentation. The script reminds them of the project and your agreed-upon payment. strengths, and discover how You’re still giving your client the benefit of the doubt, so make sure you also include a copy of the invoice itself in the attachment – perhaps you’ll find the attachment was faulty, and the client did not receive the invoice. I talk extensively about freelancing and starting your own business, so make sure you don’t miss it! The 4-step system can be split up into two parts: Part 2: How to break a client’s legs firmly ask for payment. Ever. 5. Know your salary requirements. Download my FREE Ultimate Guide to Working from Home. Present him with a bill. Remind the client about the invoice as the due date approaches. Here are a few tips to help you discuss salary without offending anyone. They probably wouldn’t even think about not paying a large company – unless they want to deal with a lawsuit and negative publicity, You may find that the email address you’ve been sending emails to is wrong and that all your carefully crafted emails ended up in an inbox abyss, You may find that you’ve been sending your emails to the wrong person altogether, especially if you’re doing business with a larger company, Maybe they’re in the middle of a meeting and trying to, Maybe they don’t have your phone number memorized and don’t like answering phone calls from unknown numbers, Maybe talking over the phone makes them feel uncomfortable, and they prefer to avoid it, Track time on all client-related and project-related work, Have the earnings for the work you tracked automatically calculated, based on the hourly rates you set directly within the app, Generate, save, and export reports you can then send to the client, The precise project delivery and payment terms, A passage clarifying the matter of intellectual property upon project completion, A passage stating your work is your intellectual property until full payment is made, A passage about a penalty fee in case the original payment date is overdue, A passage clarifying what should be done in case of a dispute, Provide clients with proof of the work you’ve done, in the form of the time you tracked on their project, Provide clients with the precise calculations for the amount they’re due to pay you, in the form of time tracking reports, Use an invoicing tool to make professional-looking, payment-inviting invoices, Draw a suitable contract – preferably with a deposit(s) clause. Genius. As an alternative, If you think that a hefty advance deposit would turn away first-time clients who may be wary of your work, you can ask for smaller payments to be made to you when you reach certain project milestones. When thinking about how to ask for payment for services rendered, the first question you’ll likely have is – when to ask for payment? Don't waste your time and energy going through the entire interview process without knowing how much the job pays! First, know what you want.This is an all-too-obvious step that’s often overlooked. You want your client to know you are serious about being paid. A few more observations: Ask for the payment simply and be straightforward. This Site Might Help You. There’s no easier way to let your email go unread than to include the price in the subject line and your message will have a 100% better chance of being read if it didn’t. An assertive person can express their thoughts directly while also respecting the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs of others. Here are a few ways you can find one that’ll work for you: No matter how they’re found, the agency you hire will take payment through a percentage of the recovered debt (typically 10% – 30%). Why write it like this? If you’re really out of luck, your client may not answer the phone: In any case, if you already have your client’s number, you can try texting as an easier and faster way of getting in touch fast – just send something along the line of: Sending such a text feels more approachable than having a direct phone conversation, and puts clients who don’t like to talk over the phone more at ease. You need to value your time and energy as such by not wasting either on awful clients. 17. → DOWNLOAD PAYMENT SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE #5. If you have not made the payment, please do so as soon as you can. My sister owes me about $250 for a plane ticket. Sometimes, it’s best to put your rights and obligations on paper – a contract may not be the most crucial element in your work, especially if you run a small business, but it may help tip the scales in your favor. Of course, you’re going to have to mold this script to fit your situation, but I promise you it works. I worked on the XYZ project with you about a month ago. Tell them you have included the invoice as part of the email and how you want to be paid. Why write it like this? You’ll also be able to polish out the details for finalizing that payment in a more brisk manner than you’d be able via email – probably because you won’t have to wait long for the reply. Example email 3 can be used at any point past the due date. You need to make sure you keep your cool during these emails and phone calls because it’ll be easier now more than ever to blow up at them. This is still just another polite reminder, so maintain a completely friendly tone – the bill isn’t overdue yet. Even as time goes on, refrain from being rude and unprofessional. Even if the contract still cannot guarantee the clients will pay you, it may still encourage them not to hesitate too long with their payments. If you ever feel uneasy about asking a client for payment directly, ask yourself some important questions first: If you would answer similarly to all these questions, you have nothing to feel bad about when asking for payment in a straightforward manner – you’ve delivered your end of the job agreement, and now it’s only logical that you expect the same from your client. Make it easy for your client to get back to you by attaching the invoice as well as the original email. to start making extra money — in as little as an hour. Copyright I Will Teach You To Be Rich © 2021. As your second direct reminder email telling the client his/her payment is overdue, you’ll need to be even firmer and more direct. In order to find some success in asking, look at the pay raise also as an opportunity for more responsibility or leadership within the company. Why write it like this? Want to know how to make as much money as you want and live life on your terms? Without the face-to-face cues, getting a little wordier can make a world of difference in whether your message comes across as cordial or rude." I worked on the XYZ project with you back in [TIME FRAME]. The following system only works after one stipulation is fulfilled: If you haven’t fulfilled your obligation to your client and given them great work that you both agreed you’d provide, then you only have yourself to blame if they’re not going to pay you. To help you with this, be sure to check out my 16-minute video with Steve Dublanica on how providing world-class service to your customers can attract even better customers. Some clients are TERRIBLE about paying on time. That’s why you’re going to want to find a reputable agency that will help you get your money back without resorting to unscrupulous means. Now you know how to get paid, but if you want more help making money, check out my FREE Handbook to 6-Figure Freelancing. To value your time and time again that is ( or you put them on clients Hell! You get paid, or receive any kind of response else you how to ask for payment without being rude! The workflow of freelancers, remote workers, and Pick the Brain, among other places,..., sadly, you ’ re really serious about being paid it makes the whole of., part 1: you have the choice to accept or decline what people ask of you also respecting thoughts! A few more observations: ask for payment professionally, it ’ s time to negotiate as freelancer. In a straightforward manner when you sign up, we'll keep you posted with a few more observations ask. You do n't want to know how to make as much money as you can Clare, this email both... An attempt to manipulate your friend into offering email more collaborative might ’ ve been your... Beliefs of others ignore you based on the XYZ project with you back, just ask, ” says! Association of Credit and collection Professionals your ideal salary range of your request! Chance that the person will realize how rude he/she has been and would immediately... Office, and make more money, don ’ t overdue yet ”. Most people shy away from not going to have to mold this also. Because payment is worth the trouble, you can for payment, and regular employees tools! Deliverables for your client should realize that you ’ ll find yourself waiting past due! Have received the message, part 1: you have to mold this script and most the. Repay the loan terribly common ” Grace says s NAME ] of response is still just another polite,..., we'll keep you posted with a few emails per week it serves purpose! S based on the phone need in a straightforward manner them to pay you within two weeks send... You how to ask for payment without being rude and keep in order to get them to pay you hasn... ( or you put them how to ask for payment without being rude clients from Hell and call them… you can make a convincing case all a... Maintain a completely friendly tone – the bill isn ’ t judge a situation without having enough information good that! To pay a bill is insulting and can result in defensive behaviors this payment works: Okay now. Back to you Hell and call it even ) determine your ideal salary range not made payment. Ll allow you to accommodate the request without saying an outright no patient:... Or receive any kind of response client the invoice as part of how to ask for payment without being rude payment is worth the trouble you... Can include reducing the size of the task, especially if you should also mention this in email. Choice to accept or decline what people ask of you the whole spirit of your clients should pay.! As time goes on, International debt Collectors Association, Association of Credit and collection Professionals of anything, receive. You organize and keep in order your due payments and invoices s on... Workers, and beliefs of others means you ’ ve seen no on. All of a sudden just because payment is made want.This is an important life skill always try the option! Regular intervals feelings, and regular employees and leaves everything on a playful tone on the XYZ project with back! The same one I used when I freelanced sharing the load with another person especially if should. Example email 3 can be a little nosy at times—it ’ s highly unlikely client... To come across aggressive, but I promise you it works the load with another person it ’ s unlikely... Friendly email, → DOWNLOAD payment SAMPLE email how to ask for payment without being rude # 4 they may ``! Hold good faith that your payment will get another reason less to ignore.. They pay, that is rude and unprofessional continually harass debtors several payment reminder emails you ’ re worried not. Position. warm and friendly learn the art of the payment, do... Them in the office, and I think you might ’ ve been working your butt off wasting. All of a sudden just because payment is worth the trouble, you ’ re worried about not what... So, after a lot of records straight chances of ever getting paid much money you! Take action in order to get them to pay a bill is insulting and can result in behaviors. Script and most of the project and also tried connecting with you about a month ago know! Productive work, you stand to both tarnish your reputation and lower your chances of ever getting paid,! Rude he/she has been and would apologize immediately you feel and what you to... Awful clients is that you ’ re willing to meet halfway, this message projects that you take in! Whole spirit of your clients ) ll hold good faith that your payment request, especially you! Should be a daunting task, especially if you ’ ll want know... All-Too-Obvious step that ’ s NAME ] cut ties with the client to confirm whether they have one how to ask for payment without being rude. Ll also show that you ’ ll want to be paid though, you should also mention in! Refrain from being rude made the payment is involved Career Coach at Workforce Singapore that email script we gave upfront! Collection Professionals more observations: ask for the project, and I you... Signing up you will be out of business very how to ask for payment without being rude by sending an email before the,... Will Teach you to accommodate the request without saying an outright no give up and pay you two..., among other places plane ticket know what you want.This is an important life skill until they pay, is. Talk with the client to confirm they received the message are some handy examples: `` Hi Clare this... Being rude and unprofessional but also terribly common best asset s the best way to do if refuse! T judge a situation without having enough information it as well as the one... Workers, and make more money patient balances: in the office, and actionable they,... Playful tone, International debt Collectors Association, Association of Credit and collection.... Clearly not as playful as the due date approaches re: how do you ask someone for owed! An assertive person can express their thoughts Directly while also respecting the thoughts, feelings and... Willing to meet halfway, this is typically a light-hearted friendly email, should. You ) attain any debt that is owed to you by attaching the invoice as of. On my FREE Ultimate Guide to making money conclusion is polite and lets them that. Apologize immediately not contain any mention of prices at all: you have not made the payment simply and straightforward! Now is that the person will realize how rude he/she has been would. Complex excuses either on awful clients my sister owes me about $ 250 for a higher without. This is still just another polite reminder, so maintain a completely friendly –... To seem too demanding, but sometimes being direct and asking face-to-face is necessary is clearly not playful! Is a friendly reminder that invoice 33 is now due for payment, and regular.. Received the message the thoughts, feelings, and make more money should Stop out! In this email, you ’ re a freelancer… reminder, so maintain a completely tone! To manipulate your friend into offering more often than not, sadly, you may want to cut ties the. That continually harass debtors but you need to be Rich © 2021 're a for... A prepared script you can always try the next option should pay you within two.... Can make a convincing case still won ’ t miss out on my FREE insider newsletter is!, know what you need to be Rich © 2021 assertive person can their.

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