This blog post explores common scenarios between clients and freelancers, who are often at odds regardless of the client’s type. Some clients might be exceptional, those you’d proudly display in your office. Here is the first part of some customer disagreements with freelancers:
Is a Contract Necessary?
Freelancer: Then we can start working.
Client: I’m also excited.
Freelancer: One last thing… Can you look over the contract?
Client: A contract!! Trust me, I will pay everything that’s due.
Freelancer: It’s just a form of work arrangement.
Client: I don’t have time for contracts. We can start right away without any.
Solution: If the client completely refuses to sign a contract, use your judgment to assess the risk. However, it’s always preferable to have a contract in place as you never know what could interfere with your work and lead to the loss of your financial compensation. Make the contract simple, including terms that prevent misunderstandings and ensure both your rights and the client’s are protected.
What, An Advance Payment?
Freelancer: Then you can give me an advance payment so I can start working.
Client: I know it’s part of the contract but you can complete the work and get the full amount.
Freelancer: With all due respect, I can’t start the work without adhering to this clause.
Solution: If this condition is in the contract, our client has already started breaking the contract terms from now. This is a bad sign. Remember, you are not selling a material that can be returned for non-compliance with payment. Try to stick to this clause because even if the client pays only part of the agreed amount as an advance payment, their commitment is important. A client who makes an advance payment is serious and intends to work.
I Didn’t Get a Bill!
Freelancer: Could you please look at the invoice and what you owe now…
Client: I don’t remember receiving an invoice from you.
Freelancer: My records show I sent it to you several days ago.
Client: I wish I could help you… but without the last invoice, I can’t pay now.
Solution: Your relationship with clients is very important… but you also need to collect your money. In such cases, resend the invoice politely showing the original date to prove that you sent it on the mentioned date. It’s preferable to send it along with the dates of the previous payments all with their dates. Or, if you want to deal with it with extra politeness, send a statement with all the previous invoices only. This shows what he owes now. Of course, if the client has some qualities of those who you should hang their pictures in your room as mentioned earlier 😉