31st August 2006, 02:31 PM
I think that the main part of the answer here is "make sure that payment terms are clearly stated and agreed in the contract before you sign it."
Payment terms are covered in detail in the ICE Conditions of Contract for Field Investigation, and for many freelancers that may be an appropriate set of terms and conditions to use. The default period in those conditions is 28 days after delivery of the invoice. There are also provisions for the charging of interest on overdue payments.
However, it is an age-old problem for all small contractors/ subcontractors in any industry. The power is with the client; you are more dependant on them than they are on you; if you want repeat business, you probably won't want to upset them by enforcing the letter of the conditions.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished
Payment terms are covered in detail in the ICE Conditions of Contract for Field Investigation, and for many freelancers that may be an appropriate set of terms and conditions to use. The default period in those conditions is 28 days after delivery of the invoice. There are also provisions for the charging of interest on overdue payments.
However, it is an age-old problem for all small contractors/ subcontractors in any industry. The power is with the client; you are more dependant on them than they are on you; if you want repeat business, you probably won't want to upset them by enforcing the letter of the conditions.
1man1desk
to let, fully furnished