How do you get money from a client who won't pay?

Asked by: Kallie Lueilwitz MD  |  Last update: August 13, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (24 votes)

You've got three main options to collect money from clients who don't respond to your final formal letter: Arbitration, a collections agency, or legal action. All three will cost money, time, and some level of stress. So it's important to weigh things carefully before deciding on your next move.

What to do when a client doesn't pay you?

What to do if a customer doesn't pay
  1. Ask why they aren't paying. ...
  2. Send an updated invoice. ...
  3. Demand payment more firmly. ...
  4. Hire a factoring service. ...
  5. Talk to a lawyer: Get an attorney involved.
  6. Consider whether further action is worth it.

How do you ask for money from a client who won't pay?

You can take the following steps when you're struggling with a customer who won't pay their bill:
  1. Send a gentle reminder. ...
  2. Send an updated invoice. ...
  3. Ask why the client isn't paying. ...
  4. Demand payment more firmly. ...
  5. Escalate the situation. ...
  6. Hire a factoring service. ...
  7. Hire a debt collection service.

What is best way to collect money from a client?

How to collect money from customers: 9 simple tips to follow
  1. Ask for client payment up front.
  2. Send convenient digital invoices.
  3. Give customers multiple ways to pay.
  4. Communicate clear payment terms.
  5. Provide early payment incentives.
  6. Offer a flexible payment schedule.
  7. Follow up on invoices.
  8. Send proof of payment.

How do you ask a client for money owed?

You should be:
  1. Professional - go straight to the point, don't waste time, and be firm when discussing overdue payments.
  2. Polite - remain calm, do not yell or accuse your client.
  3. Persistent - continue reminding your client in a calm manner, and don't be pushy or aggressive.

What To Do if a Client Doesn't Pay You

32 related questions found

How do you convince a client to pay?

How to convince your client to Pay You.
  1. Don't go for cheap clients. Cheaper the client, the higher the headache. ...
  2. Create a payment schedule: Your payment model should connect with the client. ...
  3. See it from their perspective: ...
  4. Charge for late payment: ...
  5. Offer incentives: ...
  6. Ditch the wrong clients:

How do you remind a client to pay you?

Tips for Writing an Effective Payment Reminder Email or Text Message
  1. Pay attention to your client's communication preferences. ...
  2. Provide specific details about the past-due payment. ...
  3. Include a direct link to the invoice. ...
  4. Ask the client to confirm that they've received your message.

What is the safest way to collect payment?

What is the safest way to accept payment? Besides cash, a certified check is the safest way you can receive a payment to your business.

How do you get people to pay you?

How to ask someone to pay you for work
  1. Avoid letting too much time pass from the payment due date. ...
  2. Set up an emailing schedule. ...
  3. Send polite reminders before the due date. ...
  4. Send a polite but direct email on the due date. ...
  5. Firmly remind them when your invoice is overdue. ...
  6. Call them if they still don't pay you.

What is the safest way to receive money when selling something?

Compared to putting a check in the mail, wire transfers are considered an extremely safe way to transfer money. They are secure transactions initiated by authorized personnel at your bank or nonbank wire transfer service. Once initiated, they can't be canceled.

How do you tell clients that they owe you money?

You can take the following steps if your customer owes you money for products or services provided by you but refuses to pay:
  1. Clearly communicate the need for payment. ...
  2. Write a letter of demand. ...
  3. It may be helpful to hold a mediation. ...
  4. Consider a debt collection agency for substantial invoice amounts.

How do you get rid of clients you don't want?

Demanding and unreasonable clients can reach a point where they're not worth your time. Before letting clients go, try to resolve conflicts diplomatically, using tactful and open communication strategies. If a client relationship is untenable, be honest, professional, and polite when parting ways.

How do you deal with a slow to pay client?

How to Deal with Slow Paying Customers
  1. 1) Reviewing Customers Payment History.
  2. 2) Create a Clear Contract.
  3. 3) Immediately Send an Invoice.
  4. 4) Clearly State Due Dates and Late Penalties.
  5. 5) Send Due Date Reminders.
  6. 6) Offer Early Payment Incentives.
  7. 7) Ask for a Deposit.
  8. 8) Lower Credit Limits.

How do you email a client who is not paying?

Dear [Name], This is a friendly reminder that we haven't received payment for invoice [Invoice Number]. The payment was due on [Due Date]. We're not aware of any outstanding issues or reasons for non-payment, so we would like to respectfully ask you to make payment as soon as possible.

When a client says I don't have the money?

Let Them Off The Hook

Rather than pushing for a sale, respond with empathy (remember: “Thank you for sharing. I understand…”) and then… don't do anything else. Offer to answer other questions before you end the call, which is another great way to build trust, but don't feel like you need to go in for a hard sell.

How can I get someone money fast?

Best Money Transfer Methods
  1. Zelle. Zelle can be used online, through the Zelle mobile app or through participating banks' online banking platforms. ...
  2. PayPal. PayPal lets you send, request or collect money online or with the PayPal app. ...
  3. Venmo. ...
  4. Western Union. ...
  5. Walmart2Walmart.

How do you confront someone who owes you money?

Keep it short and sweet while matching their tone and demeanor. Gently remind them of the amount owed and your agreed-upon repayment terms. Don't forget to tell them what you need to use the funds for, especially if you have to handle any immediate expenses.

What is the most reliable form of payment?

Secure payment method FAQ

Debit or credit cards are generally regarded as the safest. If you are paying by card, it is important to verify that the provider of the payment gateway is a company who is regulated, and has the right accreditation such as PCI Level 1.

What is the most reliable and safest form of payment?

1. Credit cards. The most familiar form of online payment is also one of the most secure payment methods. Credit card transactions are encrypted, which means the details are jumbled up and encoded.

What is the most accepted payment method?

In general, credit and debit cards are the most widely used payment method. This is mainly due to their flexibility and level of convenience for consumers. More than half (52%) of US consumers used a debit card in the last year, with 47% using a credit card.

How do you tell a client they need to pay more?

Explain the reason

You can't expect your client to accept the price change without some explanation. First, explain what was covered in the original quote. Then, tell them what you need more money for. Give specific reasons.

When should you remind a client for payment?

It is ideal to send a friendly payment reminder two-three days before an invoice becomes due. If the clients fail to honour their payments, stronger payment reminder emails may be in order after every two weeks or so.

How do you tell clients to pay upfront?

How to ask for upfront payment
  1. Know your own value. Negotiation requires hard facts and figures. ...
  2. Charge a realistic rate. ...
  3. Create a logical upfront payment system. ...
  4. Go into the project with clear expectations.

What to do with a stingy client?

No matter which form your Stingy Client takes, the best way to deal with these difficult clients is with a simple “No.” For your own good, never agree to cut your rates, do work outside the project outline, or exchange work for exposure. If you give this type of client any leeway, they'll just keep pushing for more.

How do I get my clients to pay on time?

Use these five tips to get your invoices handled on time.
  1. Establish Exact Payment Terms. Sometimes your clients make the wrong assumption about payment terms. ...
  2. Reward Early and On-Time Payment. ...
  3. Offer a Recurring Payment Option. ...
  4. Automate Your Invoice Process. ...
  5. Add Payment Links Directly in the Invoice.