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Warning: I had a client ghost me after a $2,500 project last week | Freelance Survival - Librear

Warning: I had a client ghost me after a $2,500 project last week

Everything was going great. I'm a freelance writer and this client in Austin had me do a full website rewrite, about 15 pages total. We signed a contract, I sent the first half, they paid the deposit, no problem. I finished the rest, sent the final invoice for the other $1,250, and then... nothing. For seven days straight, no replies to emails or calls. What makes it worse is I turned down two smaller jobs to hit their deadline. Now I'm stuck with no payment and a big hole in my planned income for March. Has anyone else had a client disappear right at the payment stage? What's your next move after the contract terms run out?

3 comments

3 Comments

adam_thomas5mo ago

My contract in Houston had a late fee clause that kicked in after 10 days. I sent a formal notice citing that clause, and the payment showed up the next week. Sometimes you just need to remind them the agreement is legally binding. A clear deadline for the next step can really get things moving.

emma_murray495mo ago

Seriously, that just makes them find a cheaper freelancer next time.

emeryr382mo ago

Wow, ten days? That's really fast for a late fee to kick in. In my experience, most contracts I've seen give like 30 days before any penalties start. I get what @emma_murray49 is saying about scaring clients off, but if the payment is already late, you're not exactly in a great spot either. Sending that formal notice was a smart move though, putting it in writing with a specific clause makes it harder for them to just ignore you. I'm honestly surprised the money showed up in a week, usually those things drag out way longer once you have to pull legal language out. Your mileage may vary, but it sounds like that firm really needed that reminder.