How to pay Freelancer and project for freelancer and employer ?

Your Contract

If you provide freelancing services, you should have a contract – or agreement – that must be signed before work commences. The contract should state the method of payment, when it is expected, and the consequences for nonpayment. As long as those three factors are made clear, you are covered.

Deposits

It is certainly advisable that you receive a deposit before beginning a project. The most common amount is 10%, though some freelancers require as much as 50% up front. Whatever number you choose, the deposit requirement should be strictly enforced.

Time To Pay

Some freelancers perform large projects that cost thousands of dollars. If this is the case, your clients may want to set up a payment schedule. For example, if you charge $5,000 for a 30-page website, the client may want to pay you in $1,000 increments for five months. If this is an acceptable agreement, get it in writing and attach it to your contract. You should also obtain the name, phone number, address and fax number of each client so that you can reach them at any time. 

Example in your contract: "If payment cannot be made in full, we will arrange for installments to be paid on a monthly basis. This payment structure is non-negotiable, and must be signed by both parties prior to commencement of work."

Date Due

Your contract should state exactly when payment is due. For example, you can state that payment is due three days upon completion of the project. That way, you are assured to be paid promptly. If you are in any way unclear about this, you could be invoicing customers for three years before you see a dime – it isn’t worth it. 

Example in your contract: "Payment is due three days after the final product has been delivered."

Invoice

Your invoice should be professional and clearly understood. At the top, the following should be included:

- Company Logo
- Business Name
- Business Address
- Business Phone Number
- Business E-mail Address
- Business Fax Number

Underneath that heading, the word INVOICE should appear in large letters. The body of the invoice should break down each part of the project and list the price for each part, and then have a total at the bottom of the page. You should also have a section that says PAYMENT DUE and then write the date. At the bottom of the Invoice, thank the customer for choosing your company, and request that the customer use you again.