Not being paid on time

[nouts]

Just a little rant. I'm self-employed but most clients aren't paying on time right now.

I have no fall back other than my income and no savings. Because I haven't received the payments I was supposed to, I can't put petrol in my car this morning.

Chasing feels so awkward. I hate it.

Anyone been through this?

You have to get over it feeling awkward

Youve done the work and are owed the money

Yoi have to get tough and start chasing x

^first post nailed it.

Why are you feeling awkward for chasing what's yours? They obviously don't feel awkward leaving you short!

@PickledPurplePickle @EnterFunnyNameHere yes I do need to!

I'm still fairly new to being self-employed so I think it's just nervy territory for me!

You need to build up a buffer based on your contract payment terms
So if payment is within 30 days you need to factor this in. Chase on day 31 etc

If most are not paying on time then you need to look at your contracting and invoicing process to ensure that they are clear. However you also need to look at the industry standard which in mine is a minimum of 30 days and so I would not set my terms less than this as they would just ignore it (or not realise ). 1 client is 20 days but another is 90- they are large organisations and you have to work to their timescales and not your own in that case.

You have to chase. Firms used to have credit control sections whose work would include chasing payment. Get your paperwork together work out a script and start phoning. Hopefully others will give you more practical tips. Any embarrassment is theirs.

I hate this too. My invoices go out from QBSE so I use their send a reminder function. A couple of days later they get a friendly email. Worked so far but not needed often.

If this is happening regularly you need to be clearer about your terms when you take a client on.

I'm self employed and hate chasing but it has to be done.

I'm a dog walker and payments for me are due weekly on a Friday (in arrears). If they don't pay by Sunday night they get a message saying payment is needed today or their dog won't get walked the following week (as per their contracts).

I've never, ever had a single person refuse to pay at that point. You just have to follow it up and be strict about it. I've even put posts on social media in the past about the impact of late payments - it seems to guilt them into getting their act together

Awful. People are so selfish. I've had tradesmen in lately and they all said some people don't pay them for months. I pay as soon as I've inspected the work that day.
If I can't afford the quote I don't get it done.

The advice depends on whether your clients are private individuals or companies and probably the type of work you are doing.

It's tough but remember you may feel awkward chasing but they are the ones being rude by not paying - you aren't doing anything wrong.

I'd suggest preparing a script that can be emailed/texted it. Fairly standard, neutral language and send that out after x days of non payment.

DO NOT say 'sorry for chasing' - they haven't paid so don't you apologise!

I have to chase payment in my job.

It's easy.

Hi 'insert name'.
This is just a quick call/email to remind you that your balance remains outstanding.
Thanks

Totally get your awkwardness, I used to be like that too!

My email tends to go like:

Hi X,

I’ve not received invoice no. XXXX as yet, which was due on XXXX.

Please could you look into this urgently?

Thanks,