At the moment, my client list is quite small, with most of my copywriter business coming from repeat customers. So when I am contacted by a new potential client, it is quite exciting, especially if their copywriting project is unusual in some way. But when it comes to the nitty gritty of moving ahead with a copywriting project and getting things on the move, there's a little bit of worry involved - because there's always the fear that the new customer might be a non-payer.
Having been a freelance copywriter for several years now, I've only ever had to deal with two problematic customers. I won't name and shame them, but they know who they are!
The first issue arose when a customer set reasonably tight deadlines. I've no problem with tight deadlines as long as I can get the information I need, but unfortunately, that was not the case - they didn't respond to calls or emails so I was left in limbo. I followed their copywriter brief and produced a draft, but apparently, their requirements had changed considerably and they claimed to have told me that over the phone. I hadn't spoken to them on the phone at all! In the end, I had to settle for part-payment for the work I had done even though I had followed their brief to the letter. I guess I could have taken it further, but I really didn't want the hassle of dealing with them anymore.
Lesson learned: Get everything in writing. That's why I do all of my business communication via email now. It gives everyone involved a record of exactly what has been stated and if there are any ambiguities, it is much easier to point them out/notice them in written form. Since going 100% online with my communication, I've had no problems at all.
The second problem was with a new client who had a rather slack reign on his finances. Having agreed a price, I produced the copy he required and sent it over via email. He was delighted with the copy and soon it was in use on a website. However, six weeks later and the payment still hadn't arrived. After prompting him, I received a cheque for the full amount - which bounced! I tried to be reasonable, and the client admitted that he was responsible, but still no sign of payment. Unfortunately, it ended up with legal proceedings, but thankfully we settled out of court on amicable terms.
Lesson learned: Get a deposit from first time customers! Now I always ask for a 50% deposit up front, and to date, every customer has been understanding and happy to pay. Once I have worked with a customer and there's an established relationship and trust, I don't tend to ask for deposits, but maybe that's me being naiive!
So my advice to all budding freelancer copywriters out there is - don't take the risk, especially if non-payment for your work is likely to cause you serious financial problems. Explain the situation and ask for a percentage of the final payment up front. And get everything in writing, so that everyone has a record of communications and there are no assumptions.
SEO copywriter, Web copywriter, Web content writer
No comments:
Post a Comment