No matter what field you freelance for, payment delays are a common problem.

Working from home gives you the required flexitime but when the payments are delayed you need to plan your finances all over again.

Here are a few steps you could take to ensure that your payments are not delayed.

Contract Details

A legal agreement is an essential step in the whole process of getting paid.

Make sure the contract has the time schedule, payment amount for your work, and other terms and conditions that were agreed upon mutually between you and the person you are working for.

If there are serious issues that occur such as not receiving your payment, the contract will be evidence.

A contract will formally compel the client to pay you the amount.

Company Payment Method

Every company has a different payment pattern. Some companies pay 30 days after the completion of work while others stretch it to 90 days.

Before you start freelancing for the company find out whether the time period will suit you.

Raise the Invoice on Time

It is very important to raise the invoice just after the work is completed.

It is an obvious fact that the more you delay the invoice, payments get delayed further.

You might be blamed for a late invoice and the company may use that as an alibi for late payment all the time.

If you do not receive the payment, send the invoice twice or thrice if required.

Get done with all the work from your side as soon as possible.

A proper invoice format is very essential or else your payment might be delayed on account of an incorrect invoice.

To check out a standard invoice template click here

Send Overdue Notices in Writing

Even after sending the invoice repetitively if the payment does not arrive, send a formal letter to the concerned person in the company.

Mention all the specific details such as the date of payment, amount of work completed and other details.

Dealing With the Accounts Department

If you ask the accounts department about the payment you will be given several excuses such as the invoice has not been received, the payment is being processed and several other things that cannot be avoided.

Make sure you ask when exactly you can expect the check and if it doesn't reach you on that day call up the department and drop a reminder.

Prompt Follow-Up

If you have been asked to call up on a particular date for the payment details, make sure you call up on that date. Send reminder emails as and when required, but don't over do it.

Keep Records Keep a complete track of all your work. Maintain an excel sheet if possible and fill in the dates and the amount of work completed.

You need to be certain about your claims and have substantial facts and support them in case you are questioned later.

Save all the official mails, this way you can always tell the person you are working for the exact date of completing your work and sending the invoice.

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