Chasing Freelance Writing Pay
One of my now ex clients had been paying me via direct deposit. It worked for several years with money showing up in my account a day or two on either side of the first of each month. I was assured that even though we had parted company, the direct deposits would continue until all they owed me was paid.
Well, something has gone wrong and this month no pay has showed up. So I’ve started following the advice I give in Handling Slow and No-Pay Clients.
First I double checked the email saying the direct deposit would proceed as normal to make sure I hadnt misunderstood. I hadnt.
I called and got through the person who can help, explained the situation. He said he would check and let me know the next morning. Since it occurred to both of us that my change in status might mean I would receive a paper check via mail I agreed to let him know if it arrived either way.
He emailed back the next morning saying he wouldnt be able to get the information until the next day. The next day he said the payroll service was showing the deposit had been made and asked me to check with my bank I did and they had nothing showing.
As of this morning, about a week later, I still havent received anything, but Ive been dutifully emailing every day to keep it on the top of his awareness; hes responding and my hunch is this will get straightened out before long. If it isnt, Im prepared to escalate the problem.
What I really know about getting paid is even though the client has the obligation to pay, its up to me to follow through if theres a problem, and keep following through until its resolved all part of doing business. Fortunately, in my experience, delayed pay doesnt happen often.
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POSTED IN: General Freelance Writing
2 opinions for Chasing Freelance Writing Pay
Lei
May 13, 2005 at 8:20 pm
I got dissed on a some freelance work I did a few years ago. I e-mailed and calle diligently for a couple of months but they just never paid up. Yet, they had the nerve to continue sending me work! Luckily, this was the second time they’d jilted me so I told them I wouldn’t accept additional work until I was paid in full. Sad to say, they never did. :(
annew
May 14, 2005 at 5:41 am
I’ve been stiffed once and awhile over the years but not often. Maybe twice? Far more honest people out there than not imo. Good for you for refusing to work without pay!
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