Guides / Price and get paid
Invoices that get paid, and late payments
Clear invoices, short terms and polite follow-ups.
Late payments are one of the hardest parts of freelancing. Clear invoices and a consistent follow-up routine help a lot.
A good invoice has
- A unique number and the date
- Your business name and contact details
- What was delivered, with dates
- Amount, due date and payment methods
- Your late payment terms, if agreed
Following up
- A friendly reminder a few days before the due date
- A polite note the day after it's due
- A firmer follow-up after a week or two
- Pause new work until overdue invoices are paid
Know your rights
Some states and cities have freelance payment protection laws. Check your state labor department.
General educational information, not tax advice. Rules change every year. Pocket Change Pros isn't paid by any bank, software company or tax service.