Collection in a difficult sector.
WHY IT IS DIFFICULT
Payment culture in creative work is poor, and practitioners are reluctant to press.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ANY WORK
Fee, payment terms and dates, in writing.
WHAT TO TAKE UPFRONT
A deposit, always.
WHY ALWAYS
It tests commitment and it covers your time if the project stops.
WHAT TO STAGE
Longer projects, with payments at milestones.
WHAT TO WITHHOLD UNTIL PAYMENT
Final files and the licence to use the work.
WHY THE LICENCE SPECIFICALLY
Use without payment is unlicensed use, which strengthens your position.
WHAT TO STATE IN TERMS
That rights transfer on full payment.
WHY
It makes non-payment a rights matter, not merely a debt.
WHAT TO INVOICE
Immediately, on delivery or milestone.
WHAT AN INVOICE SHOULD CONTAIN
What the work was The agreed fee Payment terms and due date How to pay
WHAT TO DO WHEN PAYMENT IS LATE
Remind on the due date Contact personally shortly after Escalate in writing
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who processes payment, rather than who commissioned the work.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PERSISTENT NON-PAYMENT
Stop further work Withdraw permission to use the work Consider formal recovery
WHY WITHDRAWING PERMISSION
Continued use after withdrawal is infringement.
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Keep working unpaid Deliver everything and hope
WHAT TO TRACK
Outstanding payments and their age Clients who habitually pay late
WHAT TO DO ABOUT THOSE CLIENTS
Require payment in advance.
