The UK freelancer's getting-paid stack

The UK freelancer's getting-paid stack

Most freelancer guides about getting paid focus on soft skills. "Be assertive." "Set boundaries." "Don't be afraid to chase."

That's fine advice, but it misses the point. Getting paid reliably is a systems problem, not a confidence problem.

Here's the actual stack.

Layer 1: The contract

Everything else fails without a solid contract. Non-negotiable clauses:

• Payment terms: Net-7 or net-14 maximum. Net-30 is a client's default, it doesn't have to be yours.
• Late payment clause: reference the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998 explicitly.
• Deposit clause: for projects over £500, ask for 30 to 50% upfront.
• Cancellation clause: define what gets paid if the project stops mid-way.

A simple contract template with clear payment terms, deposits, cancellation wording, and a late payment clause will save a lot of pain later.

Layer 2: The invoice

Your invoice is a legal document. Treat it like one.

Required information for VAT-registered freelancers includes:

• your name, address, and VAT number
• the client's name and address
• invoice date and number
• description of services
• amount, VAT, and total due
• payment due date
• payment details

Optional but useful:

• purchase order reference
• your payment terms restated
• a short late payment reminder

Free invoice generator: https://landolio.com/tools/invoice-generator

Layer 3: The chase sequence

Don't improvise this. Write it before you need it.

• Day before due date: quick heads-up that the invoice is due tomorrow
• Day +1: simple follow-up asking when payment is scheduled
• Day +7: mention statutory interest and request payment by a specific date
• Day +14: send a letter before action

The key is consistency. The reminder sequence should already exist before the invoice becomes overdue.

Layer 4: The calculation

Know your numbers before you chase.

• Statutory interest is 8% plus the Bank of England base rate per year
• Compensation can also apply: £40, £70, or £100 depending on invoice size

Useful calculator: https://landolio.com/tools/late-payment-interest-calculator.html

Mentioning the actual number in your day +7 email changes the conversation.

Layer 5: Escalation

If the chase sequence doesn't work:

1. Send a letter before action
2. File via Money Claim Online if needed
3. Get judgment if they ignore the claim
4. Enforce only if it gets that far

Most debts resolve before enforcement.

If you want one place that bundles the contract wording, invoice structure, chase sequence, and escalation templates, I put them together here: https://landolio.com/products/getting-paid-toolkit.html

Systems beat willpower. Build the stack once, use it every time.