7 Steps to Convince Non-Paying Clients to Pay What They Owe

Is Your Client Not Paying You?

What if every client you worked with decided to pay late, or not pay you at all?

If you’re dealing with a freelance client who won’t pay, and not sure what to do next...

...here are steps you can take to finally get paid what you’re owed!

...here are steps you can take to finally get paid what you’re owed!

Establish Rules from the Beginning1

Establish Rules from the Beginning1

Teach clients how to treat you! You’re the boss, remember?

Don’t let them mistreat you, not pay for your work, or get away with being unethical about a business deal.

Even if it takes more time than it’s worth, it’s often more important to establish

professional boundaries.

While you’re in the process of establishing boundaries, don’t do anymore workfor this client until you get paid.

While you’re in the process of establishing boundaries, don’t do anymore workfor this client until you get paid.

Determine the Causeof Non-Payment2

Determine the Causeof Non-Payment2

Sometimes, checks really do get lost, or the bank numbers were input incorrectly.

Figure out if the non-payment reason a legit issue or just a misunderstandingor technical problem.

Perhaps the issue is with the payment processor and not the client themselves.

Your job is to remain calm and determine the cause of the non-payment, then work to resolve it.

Exhaust All the Avenues3

Exhaust All the Avenues3

Do whatever you can to ensure that you’ve done your research and have exhausted all the avenues of getting their attention.

Try calling their office.

Try calling their office.

Ask friends or coworkers who you know worked with

this client & ask them about their

payment experience.

Try calling their office.

Ask friends or coworkers who you know worked with

this client & ask them about their

payment experience.

Do a search online and find

the client’s Twitter handle and reach out to the social

team.

Seriously, some companies are so disorganized that they never communicate with each other and have no idea what’s really going on.

Send Them a Warning Email4

Send Them a Warning Email4

If you truly feel like you’ve done everything you can (outside of legal force) send your non-payment client a warning email.

This will show them that you mean business and it can serve as written proof that you gave them ample time to rectify the situation.

Here’s an example that works!

Notice all of the methods used to contact them (to no avail) are listed, the exact dates, their promise, information about the contract, and written notice about further action.

Reach Out to a Lawyer for Help5

Reach Out to a Lawyer for Help5

If you truly feel like you’ve done everything you can (outside of legal force), send your non-payment client a warning email.

Have a lawyer friend send a letter (on their professional letterhead) stating that you plan to pursue this matter further, and that you’re applying X% fee to the invoice each month.

Mail this letter via snail mail with return receipt requested notifying them that they are X days overdue for payment and as per the contract you are owed $X.

If you’re not paid within X amount of time, you will pursue further legal action. Make sure you keep the receipt for when they sign for the letter.

You don’t even have to pay a lawyer to do this, just ask your friend if you can use their stationary.

You don’t even have to pay a lawyer to do this, just ask your friend if you can use their stationary.

Put the Client on Blast6

Put the Client on Blast6

Still not getting anywhere with a client who doesn’t want to pay? Follow through with your threats and put them on blast.

Call the client or

company out by name.

Call the client or

company out by name. Alert your entire

community via social media (like

a private Facebook group) or even on your

blog.

Call the client or

company out by name. Alert your entire

community via social media (like

a private Facebook group) or even on your

blog.

Warn other freelancers not to work

with them or use their services.

You’re not doing this out of spite, and you should still be respectable about your words, but make it known that clients can’t treat business owners this way.

Consider Small Claims Court7

Consider Small Claims Court7

There comes a time when you can either give up on getting paid, or pursue the matter via small claims court.

You could be spending your time and energy working with clients who actually want to pay you.

Be sure to weigh out the principle of the matter as well as how much you’ll get paid, and

any fees you’ll pay the court or a lawyer.

Sometimes it’s worth teaching your client (and

yourself) how the business side of

freelancing is to be conducted.

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