Getting paid on time is becoming increasingly harder. Follow these tips to make it easier to collect your fees. 

 1. Get a Signed Retainer

Prepare a formal agreement clarifying the services being offered, how they will be billed, how they are expected to be paid, and what will happen if they are not paid. Sit down with clients to explain the details of this contract, and have it signed by all parties.

2. Give Discounts for Prepaid Services

Give clients an incentive to purchase prepaid blocks of time by offering services at a discounted rate. Provide discounts if payments are received before the due date and charge interest fees for late or non-payments. Write out the payment terms and due dates on statements.

3. Accept Credit Cards

Credit cards are the most popular form of payment tender today. Accepting credit cards and electronic check payments encourages timely payments. If clients do not have cash at the moment to pay their bills, they will rely on credit cards as a fall back.