Pricing your work is important to getting a fair return for your work and earning a living.
This five part series of tips covers the key stages in this process. This tip outlines the major ways of solving payment problems.

Solving Payment Problems
It is to have clear terms and conditions established at the time of purchase. If you have put your terms on your invoice, you can enforce the conditions and take the customer to court.

Always invoice promptly. This is important for your cash flow and reduces the chances of payment problems.

Always keep good records of orders and invoices so you know what is overdue and when to chase for payment. A simple accounting software package will assist.

Maintain good communication and be professional. When you contact someone about an outstanding debt, be polite. However, do not allow them to walk over you. Be firm in your request for payment. Ask them to suggest a time scale for payment – normally people are committed to their own suggestions. But do not accept unreasonably long payment schedules.

The full text of this edited version can be found at:
http://www.craftscotland.org/businessfactsheets.html

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