Checkapayer guide to getting paid

Our guide to getting paid is a must-have resource for any freelancer, supplier or independent contractor who needs to chase payment.

From Invoice Generators to Letters to the Court – Checkapayers Comprehensive Guide to Getting Paid

This guide to getting paid is an overview, for more detailed analysis of each step, check out our dedicated blogs here.

In the world of freelancing or contracting, there’s an aspect that often doesn’t get as much attention as the craft itself: getting paid. 

Strangely, a significant number of freelancers and independent contractors hesitate when it comes to requesting and, at times, chasing the compensation they rightfully deserve. The intricacies and potential discomfort of dealing with overdue payments is a task many people do not want to deal with. 

In this comprehensive guide to getting paid, we’ll provide a step-by-step timeline to help you navigate the daunting world of unpaid dues with confidence, from crafting the initial invoice to taking legal steps through a court letter.

Guide to getting paid: Crafting Invoices and Purchase Order

Many self-employed workers tend to overlook the importance of creating a meticulously detailed invoice or purchase order. Yet, this initial step sets the stage for a smooth transaction. These essential documents outline the specifics of your service. However, they also set forth the terms, payment due date and accepted payment methods. By addressing the financial aspect upfront, you lay the foundation for a fruitful working relationship.

Download Invoice Template 

Download Purchase Order Template

Guide to getting paid: The Art of Gentle Reminder Letters

You’ve done the work, sent the invoice, and now, you wait. When the payment doesn’t arrive as expected, the first round of hesitancy creeps in. Will a reminder be seen as too assertive? Could it cost me future business?

In reality, a well-crafted reminder letter is not just acceptable but necessary. A simple, polite reminder a few days after the due date can often prompt timely payment. Remember, the goal here is not confrontation but a gentle nudge.

Download 1^st Reminder Letter Template

Guide to getting paid: Writing a Strong Letter For Outstanding Payment

As days turn into weeks, the need for a more assertive approach becomes evident. The second reminder letter can adopt a slightly firmer tone, gently expressing concern about the overdue payment and its potential consequences. If required, the third reminder should convey the impact of the delay on your financial stability and the working relationship. However, professionalism should remain intact even as the tone escalates. 

Download 2^nd Reminder Letter Template

Download 3rd Reminder Letter Template

Guide to getting paid: The Final Reminder Letter

Things now start to get real. When you’ve exhausted your earlier attempts to prompt payment and the silence remains unbroken, it’s a signal that the moment has come for the final reminder. 

This particular letter carries a sense of urgency. It represents your last attempt to settle things amicably before thinking about legal steps. It’s natural for this stage to bring a mix of emotions – a blend of determination and perhaps a tinge of frustration.

As you compose this final reminder, it’s important to convey the potential consequences that continuing non-payment might entail. Additionally, providing a final deadline for payment serves as a focal point. It’s a way to urge action within a specific timeframe, highlighting the urgency of the situation. This deadline isn’t meant to be a pressure tactic but rather a chance for the client to rectify the situation before the final steps are taken.

Download Final Reminder Letter Template

Guide to getting paid: Crafting a Letter to the Court Small Claims Court

It is now that turning to legal action might become a necessary consideration. Even though the idea of addressing the court can be intimidating, it’s a step that shows your commitment to standing up for your rights. Writing a well-structured letter to the court doesn’t have to be overly complex.

In this letter, you need to provide a clear overview of the situation. Start by explaining the original agreement and the attempts you’ve made to resolve the issue amicably. Make sure to explain how the lack of payment is affecting your financial well-being.

You don’t need to use fancy language; just be straightforward and honest about the situation. Express your willingness to engage in the legal process to find a fair solution. This letter is a way for you to communicate your perspective. It is also an opportunity to express your hope for a resolution that aligns with your rights and expectations.

Remember, this letter is a way to stand up for yourself while following the proper legal channels. Keep it simple and sincere and let the facts speak for themselves.

Download Letter to Court

Guide to getting paid: Conclusion

As a freelancer, supplier or independent contractor, asserting your right to timely payment is essential for sustaining your creative pursuits and livelihood. The journey from crafting an initial invoice to considering a court letter might seem arduous, but each step plays a crucial role in securing your financial well-being. 

Thankfully, here at Checkapayer, we have some user-friendly free templates ready and waiting for you to use to help you to get paid.