xentek

To invoice my clients, I use an application called Fresh Books, formerly called Second Site - at least that is what it was called when I signed up. I’ve been a customer for about 2 years or so. I signed up as part of a move to organize my freelancing and provide better service to my clients. Plus I needed a brain dead easy way of sending out invoices - something quickbooks sucked at.

They contacted me yesterday to inform me that I am the top performer “Days to Receive Payment” in your category of “Web Design and Development”. And they wanted to ask me, how do I do it?

As my “How Web Sites Are Built” pre-sales document explains, I tend to be upfront about payment. My billing practices are pretty simple actually, and were forged in the 4 years of frustration I felt during the early days years of my consulting practice.

• If the project is a flat rate, and is under $500 - The client must pay up front.
• If its a flat rate, and greater than $500, then a retainer must be paid up front - generally 50%. Larger projects (greater than $5000) can be done in thirds, if the client’s budget requires it.
• If I’m billing hourly than, payment is due when services have been rendered. Basically when the code is in production.
• All other bills are due 7 days after they are received. Fresh Books lets me know when my clients view their Invoices, an indispensable feature.

But it doesn’t stop there.

Continue reading ‘Know your value, and then Ask For it.’