We know that for many freelance members, chasing payments is a perennial problem, and there seems to be no end to the hoops and barriers to navigate before payment is received.
Do you need a purchase order (PO) number? How long does it take companies to provide PO numbers? Is there any ‘new supplier’ paperwork to fill in? Is there any paperwork around IR35 that you need to complete. If you’re VAT registered, do you need to provide HMRC paperwork confirming this? The list goes on, and on, and on.
‘Standard’ terms
So, too, members tell us are times they are waiting to be paid for media advisory boards and other consultancy work — and and recently a number of members have raised the issue of the 60-day payment periods that some companies claim as their ‘standard’ payment times.
Set your own terms
As the UK Government’s advice for small businesses states:
You can set your own payment terms, such as discounts for early payment and payment upfront.
Unless you agree a payment date, the customer must pay you within 30 days of getting your invoice or the goods or service.
It doesn’t matter what the company claim is ‘standard’. Check the small print of any paperwork you’re sent and add a line to your email confirming your fee to say your payment terms are 30 days.
We have made this post public as the more freelancers, small businesses and sole traders who realise they don’t have to put up with 60-day payments terms, the sooner this practice stops.
If you’re a member, please sign in so we can name and shame the 60-dayers — or give credit where it’s due, to prompt payers. How to get paid promptly: POs, 60-day terms and other freelance perils
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