1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. How do you deal with those late paying clients?

How do you deal with those late paying clients?


5 years 4 weeks ago #636765 by Deb Reardon
For the jobs that don't have a down payment and on my bill to them it states payments are due within 20 days.  However some clients payment don't come in till far after that.  FAR after that.  

What can be done to get payments in sooner? 
,
5 years 4 weeks ago #636766 by Troponin

Deb Reardon wrote: For the jobs that don't have a down payment and on my bill to them it states payments are due within 20 days.  However some clients payment don't come in till far after that.  FAR after that.  

What can be done to get payments in sooner? 


Did you already deliver the product? Is there a section for late payments? What % has the client already paid? What efforts have you made to contact them? Is it in an email for written proof of communication. 

A change in practice might be in order. Is it not possible to do a % of front, then final payment made upon delivery? No payment, no photos. Until then, perhaps someone else can give you some advice on where to go from here on this particular situation. 
Photo Comments
,
5 years 4 weeks ago #636769 by Deb Reardon
Jobs under $500, I have been requesting payments due within 20 days of the job.  I have not delivered anything, but have time invested and have done the post processing on their work.  Basically the work is ready to be delivered.  My contract says 10% late fee will be charged every 30 days payment not received in full.   I have called and sent two emails usually every 2 weeks of past due. 
,
5 years 4 weeks ago #636772 by jeffnles1

Deb Reardon wrote: Jobs under $500, I have been requesting payments due within 20 days of the job.  I have not delivered anything, but have time invested and have done the post processing on their work.  Basically the work is ready to be delivered.  My contract says 10% late fee will be charged every 30 days payment not received in full.   I have called and sent two emails usually every 2 weeks of past due. 


I don't do this type of contract work.  A friend is an architect that does a lot of residential improvement stuff.  Based on his many years of experience, he asks for a deposit up front that would be about equal to the time he has tied up in developing the preliminary plans.  That way if the client changes their mind, decides not to pay the rest or skips then (yes it has happened) he isn't out that much.

Perhaps you could do something like ask for half up front and half at time photos are delivered.  Just a thought.  In my experience doing other kind of work (consulting) getting people to pay is always the part of the business I liked least.
,
5 years 4 weeks ago #636853 by Kenta
I would make sure to get payment upfront before the shoot.  No exceptions.  Payment due before I take a single shot.  
Photo Comments
,
5 years 4 weeks ago #636941 by Ian Stone
With all respect, you really need to change up how you do business. IMHO, never work till you have $$ in hand.  Simple as that.  
Photo Comments
,
5 years 4 weeks ago #637065 by icepics
Most working photographers seem to have a contract that provides for at least a deposit/retainer or for full payment up front. Get on http://asmp or PPA to find out more on contracts, licensing usage, etc.
Sharon
Photo Comments
,
5 years 3 weeks ago #637134 by Inez Villarin
Good tip.  In the end, late pay clients don't get work done, and they don't get the retainer back.  A good contract with well laid out terms will cover that.  
Photo Comments
,
5 years 3 weeks ago #637154 by Howard T
+1 that is one way of putting it.  Clear terms and conditions, AND not doing work till paid in full.  
Photo Comments
,
4 years 10 months ago #646039 by Amanda-Gold
Without all of these details being defined within a contract, it could be tricky to keep expectations clear on both sides. In an ideal situation, your lawyer could write up a contract for you to utilize in your business, but lawyers are also really expensive. 

There is a free app that launched a few months ago called Quiktract. This app allows you to not only create legally binding contracts and sign off on them, but also send and accept payments all in one place. 

I know quite a few photographers who found this app really useful (especially when working with friends and money conversations can be uncomfortable), if you want to learn more their website is  https://quiktract.com/ ! 
,
4 years 10 months ago #646223 by Fess Walker
Send out notice after 30 days, then each 15 days there after till paid with % for late payments.  
Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. How do you deal with those late paying clients?

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
Leica SL2-S Review

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1552465945.pngSponsored Imageimages/stories/vendors/nikon.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Expert Tips to Upgrade Your Camera Gear With Used Equipment

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024
What is Blue Hour Photography?

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
5 Dog Photography Tips for Stunning Results

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024
FAQs About Acrylic Print Photos

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024
Get All the Landscape Photography Inspiration You Need With These Simple Tips

Where do you get your landscape photography inspiration? Is it from masters like Ansel Adams? Or perhaps viewing art from other genres? We’ve got these and a few other sources for you to check out!

Apr 10, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
More Articles