In an ideal world, you want to get paid for your work immediately, without frequent follow-ups or anxiety. But that’s hardly ever the reality.
According to a report by the Independent Economy Council, 74% of professionals are not getting paid on time. So if you have faced similar issues with invoice payments, you know you’re not alone.
But what’s the solution to this? Are freelancers bound to be stuck within this wheel of misfortune where they constantly chase behind clients to release the payment?
We figured something out. If you assume that the client is not intentionally withholding payments, it could be that the very process of making the payment is complex for them. You can do what’s in your hand—improve the customer experience and ensure making payment feels like a breeze.
In this article, we’ll navigate some tips and tricks you could implement to get paid on time.
What Is Invoice Payment?
An invoice is a document that carries the records of goods and services provided by the seller, the quantities, prices, and the amount to be paid. The seller raises the invoice to the buyer to formally request the payment to be cleared. An invoice of any kind generally includes an invoice number, date, contact details of the buyer and the seller, and the payment terms.
Invoice payments are crucial for business owners, independent contractors, and professionals, as they facilitate transparent and accountable financial transactions, and also come in handy for record-keeping purposes.
What to Include in An Invoice?
When you’re creating an invoice for freelance services, you have to include these essential elements:
- Your business information (your name and the name of your business)
- Contact details (address, phone number, email ID)
- Client details (client’s name and name of their business)
- Contact details of the client/ their business (address and email ID)
- Details of deliverables and amount due
- Invoice number
- Invoice date
- Payment terms
- Late payment fees (if applicable)
- Discount (if applicable)
Before you send the invoice, double-check all the details to make sure you’ve entered the correct information and avoid unnecessary payment delays.
Make professional-looking invoices in a jiffy with Bloom’s free invoice maker.
Payment Methods You Can Use to Get Paid As A Freelancer
Cash
If you’re working with clients based in the same location, you can opt to get paid in cash. While it offers immediate liquidity, cash payments might come across as dated and unprofessional, and there’s no sure-shot way to track past payments. If you wish to maintain transparency and keep track of transactions, make sure to issue receipts to the client for cash payments and preserve the documents for future reference.
Mobile Payment
Mobile payment platforms like PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, and Venmo are popular among freelancers and clients alike, thanks to their ease of use and swift transactions. Among these platforms, PayPal is generally accepted globally, so getting paid from overseas clientele becomes easier.
Bank Transfer
Direct bank or wire transfers are another secure way to receive freelance payments. You have to share your banking details with the client, and they’ll be able to pay you directly to your bank account. But before opting for this payment method to get paid from overseas clients, consider the potential transaction fees required for international payments.
ACH Transfer
Automatic Clearing House (ACH) offers smooth and automated fund transfers between bank accounts or credit unions. It’s particularly helpful in the case of recurring payments, but you can also get paid through ACH for one-time payments.
Apple Pay
If both you and your client work within the Apple ecosystem, the simplest way to get paid would be through Apple Pay. The client can pay you securely through their preferred Apple devices.
To decide which payment method works best for you, consider these key factors:
- Transaction fees associated with the payment
- Ease of use
- Client preference
- Time taken to facilitate the fund transfer
If you’re working with a diverse client base from different parts of the world, it’s always a good idea to offer a variety of payment options. Your client will choose a method that suits them best, and you’ll receive your payments seamlessly. Bloom is an advanced invoicing tool that integrates with PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle, supports ACH payment and wire transfer, and gives your client all the flexibility and convenience to make payments swiftly.
Tips to Get Paid On Time & Seamlessly
1. Charge Upfront Down Payment
Unless you already do this, it’s time to charge an advance payment for your services. This ensures your client remains invested in the project from the very beginning, and you are less likely to get ghosted after completing the project. You could either take a partial amount as a down payment, or you might charge the full amount in advance—whichever works for you and your client.
2. Create A Professional Invoice
Craft a professional invoice listing down the services provided, deliverables, charges for each service, and instructions to process the payment. Polished invoices create a good impression, and at the same time, serve as a vital document for record-keeping purposes. Looking for an invoicing software to streamline the way you create invoices? Try Bloom’s robust invoice generator for free.
3. Set Clear Invoice Payment Terms
To avoid any miscommunication in the future, be transparent about your invoice payment terms and include them within your project agreement. Specify the due date by which the payments are to be cleared, the accepted payment methods, and late fees, if any. This transparent approach ensures both you and the client are on the same page, and you’re likely to get paid on time.
4. Establish Clear Communication Channels
For every ongoing project, maintain clear communication with the client at every step of the way. Send them regular updates on the progress, address any issues that might come up, and ask them for their input. If the client suggests changes, be proactive in accommodating their request. This approach establishes trust, fosters long-term relationships, prevents the need for last-minute changes to the deliverables, and ensures the client is happy with your work and you get paid timely.
5. Send Polite Reminders
Develop a system to send out polite payment reminders to clients to ensure you get paid on time, every single time. You could either go with automated messages or personally crafted texts, whichever works for you. The idea is to professionally remind the client that the payment is due, without coming across as aggressive, so make sure the message aptly captures your intent.
6. Have A Contract in Place
Be it a one-off project or a long-term one, every project should be backed by a contract containing the scope of work, deadlines, objectives, deliverables, and payment terms. Don’t think of it as an additional hassle—this legal document gives a lot of peace of mind to both you and your client and ensures a professional business transaction.
7. Diversify Invoice Payment Methods
Give your clients the flexibility to pay however they like, be it through bank transfer, credit cards, or online payment platforms. Aim to reduce friction for the client while making payments, so they can pay you seamlessly, or even automate payments if they wish to.
Incorporate these tips and strategies into your business processes to increase the chances of getting paid on time. The ultimate goal is to streamline the financial transactions, ensuring a smooth experience on the part of the client, so that making payments doesn’t seem like a bothersome task.
Use Bloom to Amp Up Your Invoice Game
Running a freelance business means you have to wear many hats—from being the key service provider to keeping a check on accounts, you’re doing everything on your own.
With the right invoice payment software, you can provide convenient and hassle-free payment options for clients, keep track of payments received, maintain records for tax purposes, and most importantly, stand out from the crowd for delivering a professional customer experience.
As a busy creative, creating an invoice should be the last thing you have to worry about. With Bloom’s free invoice generator, you can curate a branded experience for your clients by adding your logo and brand colors to the invoice. The simple itemization feature allows you to list down the deliverables in detail, you can add contracts to the invoice, and add an option for tipping. Bloom integrates with all major payment platforms, so you can offer flexible payment options.