How to make sure you get paid by clients You've put in the hours, worked hard and delivered a successful project to your client. You should be celebrating another job well done but the problem? You've still not been paid. Chasing payments for completed projects is probably the least enjoyable experience for any freelancer or small business. But it's essential to keep a good cash flow and ensure you're financially rewarded for the work you've carried out. There are many ways to make sure you get paid by clients and here are just a few tips and tricks to help you. Establish your payment terms Before any client relationship begins, make it crystal clear how you wish to be paid. That's whether you require 'staged' payments, deposits or retainer fees. Asking for deposits up front is actually a sensible option as it acts as a safety net should anything go wrong. Deposits are also a good sign that your client is serious and reliable. It's an added reassurance that you'll get paid for the full amount in future. Consider timescales Every business has its own timescales when it comes to payment, the standard being 30 days. Ensure your client is aware of your own terms at the start of every project and reiterate your payment terms on every invoice you issue. As a business, you are within your rights to set your own deadline for payment - that's whether you want immediate payment or within 30 days - it's your