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• PRO

  Phil Voice August 19, 2008 at 10:50am

  Hi Hannah
  
  I am sure others will pitch in with their views too but I will go first.
  
  To start with, write the client a polite letter and ask to be paid by a certain date after invoice and that you cannot afford to wait. Suggest that the client sets up a regular standing order so that they do not have to think about payment every month.
  
  If they are not willing to go down this route then I would consider very carefully whether they are right for you. After all, this is a partnership between two parties and one could argue that they need you more than the other way round.
  
  If your request for prompt settlement falls on deaf ears then I would look to replace the client with someone who cares equally about looking after you as you do about their garden.
  
  As far as causing upset is concerned - and I know how difficult this can be when faced with the problem - think about the upset and anguish it is causing you?
  
  Good luck!
  
  Phil
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  Kerrie John-The garden design Co August 19, 2008 at 1:36pm

  Hi Hannah
  I had two regular maintenance jobs on gardens which I had designed and built (needless to say there was no lawns involved!).
  One client had a visit four times a year and paid by direct debt every month. The other paid on invoice when she needed me to tidy up.
  
  I think that a monthly payment direct to your bank would be ideal. As Phil said, if you write a polite letter to the clients, you could inform them that you have now changed the way you are paid for regular work. Offer to give them your bank details if they are in agreement. If you don't need their work what you got to loose?
  
  On all invoices I always put 'payment terms', mine are 14days from invoice date. I also add a payment due date which is, 'on or before (the date in 14 days time).
  
  Good luck and let us know how it works out.
  Kerrie
• 

  Nick Steele August 19, 2008 at 9:42pm

  If you feel awkward bringing the subject up, tell the clients its your accountants idea and that he's told you you've got to improve your cash flow/payment terms.
• PRO Supplier

  Helen Gazeley August 19, 2008 at 10:40pm

  How about thinking of it this way? You're a valuable asset that, chances are, they don't want to lose, and if they're happy to let you wait so long for payment, then they're not exactly sensitive types anyway. Show them that you value yourself and they're likely to feel the same.
  
  Also, I'd suggest asking them if they're happy with what you do or if there's anything bothering them, before asking for earlier payment. That way, when they say everything's fine, it's hard for them to disagree when you politely ask to be paid on time. If by any chance they indicate it's not, then that will give you the reason why they're being tardy and the remedy will be clear.
  
  Let us know what happens.
  Good luck
  Helen
• 

  GORDON August 20, 2008 at 11:30pm

  Hi Hannah
  
  I think most everything has been covered. You however may wish to consider the following which I employ if a customer is not as prompt a payer as I would like.
  It is a bit of a blunt instrument but works well for me.
  Simply provide a stamp addressed envelope with your invoice and state on your invoice that you have provided it "for their convenience"
  It does make it easier and think they are more inclined to clear your invoice.
  
  Good Luck
• PRO

  Phil Voice December 21, 2011 at 9:27am

  Has anyone found late payers to be an issue this year?

  What systems do you have in place to help ensure you get paid on time?
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  Anthony Toop December 21, 2011 at 9:36am

  I have a few clients that more often than not pay late, but, it depends very much on the relationship and type of client you have. In my case they are never home so i may not see them for months on end, i communicate with them mainly by email, occasionally via a txt, they generally pay late but they do always pay, usually with an apology. Im fine with this as theres plenty of other work topping up the bank account plus they are actually very pleasant people with nice gardens, just a bit absent minded. Of course if they were moany, annoying clients that regulary find fault with your work, want unpaid extras etc then they would be dropped like a hot brick.
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  Paul McNulty December 21, 2011 at 10:21am

  I've got some who pay be return, others always after two months. I don't have an issue with regular payers, fast or slow, so long as I know what to expect. I'd be wary of anyone changing in the current climate though; anyone suddenly slowing payments down would be a concern and I would bring it up with the client sooner rather than later.

  I do have some letting agents who now sit on the landlord's money for a month before they pay me. That's frustrating, but ultimately I'd rather have the good contracts and it helps me if they stay in business.
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  Claire Brown December 21, 2011 at 12:11pm

  This year, i've had no late payers,  in fact payments have been quicker into my bank account due to the wonderful new faster payments scheme.

  Also because now 7 years in, i'm organised enough to have terms and conditions and website that state my prices and when I need to be paid, (within 2 weeks) plus i'm better at actually stating what my services cost when I meet clients, - and being more confident that i'm worth it.

  All my regular clients pay me by standing order.
• PRO

  Brian www.mibservices.co.uk December 21, 2011 at 12:33pm

  When i used to do lots of domestic maintenance years ago i did what my customers did to me. If they paid on time they got an on time service, pay late and i turn up late, they were soon handing me the due cheques as i arrived and that sorted most of them out. The ones that continued to delay for no valid reasons were dropped without notice. I dont do domestic stuff now unless its acre plus sized gardens and concenntrate my business in the commercial grounds maintenance markets. Better money and less hassle :-).