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.

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