Establish clear expectations before working with a client to avoid conflicts later on. Use a contract to define the scope of work, rates, and payment terms. If you don\u2019t have your own that works for you, use our\u00a0Contract Creator<\/a>\u00a0to customize a simple agreement with freelance-friendly clauses.<\/p>\n Ask to be paid a portion up front or in multiple installments throughout the work process so you don\u2019t shoulder all the risk.<\/p>\n If any changes occur to the scope, ask your client to sign off on an addendum to the original contract.<\/p>\n In New York City, the Freelance Isn\u2019t Free law mandates that hiring parties use contracts with clear payment terms for work over $800. Learn more about the law in\u00a0plain language<\/a>\u00a0or read the\u00a0full text<\/a>.<\/p>\n Send dated invoices promptly and include your full contact information, project name, payee name and tax ID number, and instructions for the payment method. Clearly note delinquency or late fees. Take away all the excuses for not paying!<\/p>\n Have a follow up system and keep all copies of collections communications.<\/p>\n In New York City, the Freelance Isn\u2019t Free law mandates that payment must be received within 30 days of work completion, or by the date specified in a contract.<\/p>\n Still not getting paid? Send a formal collections notice that explains the entire situation and provides copies of contracts and invoices. Craft your own with our\u00a0collections letter template<\/a>.<\/p>\n You may not want to go to court, but your client doesn\u2019t know that. Send a letter saying that you will be forced to pursue legal action if payment is not received within two weeks.<\/p>\n In New York City, you can file a nonpayment complaint using\u00a0this form<\/a>\u00a0with the Office of Labor and Policy Standards, who can help you to resolve your issue.<\/p>\n You can file the complaint or reach out with questions…<\/p>\n In Minneapolis, the Freelance Worker Protection Ordinance protects freelancers from nonpayment.<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to know if and when you should escalate. Legal action takes a lot of your time, energy, and possibly money if you choose to hire an attorney.<\/p>\n Search for information about your local city or state small claims courts (we have a New York City guide<\/a>), a special part of civil court that provides a practical way to sue for relatively small amounts without an attorney. The maximum amount you can pursue in these courts varies by state ranging from $2,500 to $25,000.<\/p>\nStep 2: Practice prompt and planned invoicing<\/b><\/h2>\n
Step 3: Pressure clients to pay<\/b><\/h2>\n
Step 4: File a claim<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Step 5: Take legal action<\/b><\/h2>\n