recover, so it's definitely worth considering if you're owed a lot of money. The absolute worst case scenario is that you end up in court. But it doesn't usually come to that. Things normally get resolved outside of court. Tread carefully Speaking to other freelancers in the past, some have recounted stories of 'taking websites down' or reclaiming back work that the client no longer has access to. Although this might seem like a good idea, tread carefully. The client could end up taking you to court over losses and damages to their own business. Just be aware that everything isn't so black and white. If nothing else works... If you find yourself chasing payments more often than you should, consider making your terms very strict by demanding payment upfront. This means you don't begin any work until payment has been made. Many businesses will feel uncomfortable about this, so offer to put things in writing. And if you're on a retainer? Your terms should clearly state that payment is to be made upfront at the start of every month and if payment is late or not made, then work will not commence. It's then up to the client to ensure they pay you on time. Have you got any of your own tips for getting paid on time? Please feel free to share them below. About The Author I'm the editor (and founder) of Creative Boom, an online community for the creative industries. Established since July 2009, Creative Boom