Most freelancers I know have been stiffed at least once. Usually the same pattern: client goes quiet, then disappears, then disputes.
I built a late invoice chasing system after getting burned on a £3,200 project. Here is what it does.
The problem with ad-hoc chasing
You send a polite email at 30 days. Client ignores it. You send another at 45 days. Still nothing. By 60 days you are either writing it off or bracing for a confrontation.
The mistake is being reactive. By the time you are chasing, you have already lost leverage.
The 4-touch system
Touch 1 — Invoice day. Confirm the invoice was received. Not pushy, just professional. Sets the expectation that you track these things.
Touch 2 — 7 days before due. Friendly reminder. Still warm. Most clients pay here.
Touch 3 — Due date. Firm, factual. Invoice number, amount, due date. Mention statutory interest kicks in if unpaid.
Touch 4 — 7 days overdue. Letter before action. Statutory rate is Bank of England base rate + 8%. On £3,000 that is around £1.20/day. Worth stating.
The legal bit most freelancers miss
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 gives you the right to charge interest on late B2B invoices automatically. You do not need it in your contract. It is the law.
You can also claim £40-£100 in debt recovery costs per invoice (depending on the amount).
Calculator: landolio.com/tools/late-payment-interest-calculator
The full system
If you want the templates (all 4 letters, plus the statutory interest demand): landolio.com/products/getting-paid-toolkit — £19.
Cheaper than writing off one invoice.
What is your current approach to chasing late invoices? Has anything worked particularly well?
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