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Freelance writers - Upfront payment, in arrears or split?

by Rob D
22 replies
If you do freelance writing how do you ask for payment? 100% upfront? 100% in arrears? Or some split of the two?

I'm just curious, having been reading over another vaguely related thread on the opinions on this and didn't want to take over someone elses thread. While I haven't done a lot of freelance work recently, I have done alot in my online history (Part of my promise to myself not to spend money online I haven't made online).

Personally most of my first contact with clients has been through rentacoder(vworker), so the intial trasaction is escrowed. Future work is usually a case of them sending me details, me doing the work and taking payment on delivery. I've never had a problem with this. On a couple of occassions where I've written ebooks as opposed to articles we have arranged a split, or progress payments, but this is only for very large projects.

How do other people approach this, I'm interested in your thoughts.
#arrears #freelance #payment #split #upfront #writers
  • Profile picture of the author briancassingena
    With RAC you have no choice but to get the money well after you finish the job. The trick with these freelancing sites is to do everything you can to get your relationship OFF the site and take the site out of the picture altogether.

    Even if you have to compromise some things, at least you can cut out the fees you'd pay if you were working through the site.

    Plus, outside of a freelancing site, I get 50% up front and 50% on completion. I know you can't get up front payments on vworker, I don't know about other sites? Off the site, YOU are in control.
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  • Profile picture of the author CatherineC
    Banned
    100% up front, always.

    If you don't value your work, and your service (and unfortunately your time), no one else will.

    I don't operate under third party services so I can't speak to RAC or other arrangements, but as an independent it's always 100% to start.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob D
    Interesting. With RAC it's a bit of both. They pay before you do any work, but you don't get paid until after the work is finished. I've found it a great first point of contact and as most buyers usually use it to test a writer over an article or five the commission is only a minor annoyance. Once you have made that contact you should definitely take it offsite and deal direct with the buyer imho.

    So - 2 votes in for upfront payment. I wonder if I should post a similar thread from the buyers perspective?
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  • Profile picture of the author schttrj
    Originally Posted by Rob D View Post

    If you do freelance writing how do you ask for payment? 100% upfront? 100% in arrears? Or some split of the two?

    I'm just curious, having been reading over another vaguely related thread on the opinions on this and didn't want to take over someone elses thread. While I haven't done a lot of freelance work recently, I have done alot in my online history (Part of my promise to myself not to spend money online I haven't made online).

    Personally most of my first contact with clients has been through rentacoder(vworker), so the intial trasaction is escrowed. Future work is usually a case of them sending me details, me doing the work and taking payment on delivery. I've never had a problem with this. On a couple of occassions where I've written ebooks as opposed to articles we have arranged a split, or progress payments, but this is only for very large projects.

    How do other people approach this, I'm interested in your thoughts.
    It depends.

    For new clients...

    1. If it is a small project, then 100% upfront.
    2. If it is a big project, then 50% upfront.

    For old clients,

    1. Small project - After the delivery.
    2. Big project - 50% upfront.

    But, then again it depends on the client and the type of work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kristy Taylor
    Always 100% upfront unless it's one of my magazine or university clients.

    Ta
    Kristy
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    • Profile picture of the author Devid Farah
      The way you bill your clients depends on each client's value.

      From experience, there are some that wouldn't blink an eye to walk away with your written efforts without excuse or any moral burden on their conscience.

      In my earlier years, i had also experienced a situation where a client says he no longer needs a work that was 80 percent completed. Imagine that!

      So that vital aspect of billing your client is getting to know the person first but generally 100 percent upfront is idle but if such client hesitates, he or she can have a taste of the quality of your work with the assurance that you are always there.

      You can give links to your earlier or existing clients as referees . But if you have any doubt, go for split payments and get even as you progress.
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      • Profile picture of the author KenJ
        You should be businesslike in this matter. It really does matter that you get paid for your work.

        For new customers it should be 100% with order. You do not know them and you could put in a lot of time and effort and not get paid. The only exception to this is when you are brand new to a business and have no reputation whatsoever.

        Once you get a good rep then you simply state your terms of trading and thats it. People who are recommended to you will be prepared to follow your terms.

        Then you can set up an account for regular customers who can pay you monthly.

        I deal (in my offline business) with companies who still demand full payment up front for all products I order from them. This is part of their trading terms so I fit in with them. Others have set me up with monthly accounts.

        Kenj
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  • Profile picture of the author Nigel Greaves
    Personally I always go with a 100% upfront payment unless it's a client I already know operates in an ethical manner.

    For those clients who say that they never pay upfront I prefer to walk away, simply because I know from past experience they will almost always be a problem. Am I leaving money on the table? Quite probably, but I'm also avoiding the time vampires as well, which is a price worth paying

    Nigel
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  • Profile picture of the author Intermission
    I, like some others that have posted here, will charge 100% up front as a general rule, unless it is a much larger job, than 50% to start. But sometimes it does come down to the relationship value. If I know a client to be honorable, I'm willing to start without payment right away.
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  • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
    You should always charge 100% up-front, unless you are doing the project as a one-off for fun.

    While I agree that long term clients may have earned a little leeway, it doesn't help.

    If you are a full time writer then there is absolutely no way you can keep track of your orders unless you use a standardized payment plan, and to protect yourself it must be 100% up-front.

    Cheers,
    Colin Palfrey
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    • Profile picture of the author Wakunahum
      If they are new, it's best to get it upfront as some won't EVER pay or respond to the delivered work.

      Once it's a regular gig, I don't have a hard time sending out the work and not being paid first.
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  • Profile picture of the author wuleinj
    Most time I pay up front.
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  • Profile picture of the author CDarklock
    In most countries, rights are transferred when consideration changes hands.

    So I always do 100% in arrears. That way, if the client doesn't pay, I still own the rights and can recoup my time investment some other way. Not to mention my refund rate is a solid 0% and always has been.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarkWrites
    I have never done anything but 100% up front. I'm not aware of any business this has lost me, though it is entirely possible it has happened without me knowing it. Still, I wouldn't do it any other way.
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  • Profile picture of the author penpal6
    When I'm getting the projects at the freelancing sites I ask the buyers to deposit an escrow payment but if I'm getting the projects from my previous clients or the forum members then generally I take hundred percent offered payment via PayPal. Also, if anything goes wrong when the buyers always have the chance to charge back.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sarah Russell
    Split, 50% up front for new clients, with the remaining 50% due upon completion. After a few successful projects, I'm open to adjusting payment terms as needed.

    So far, I haven't been screwed over, but if that ever happens, I'll probably go to 100% up front for new clients.
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    • Profile picture of the author Colin Palfrey
      Originally Posted by Sarah Russell View Post

      Split, 50% up front for new clients, with the remaining 50% due upon completion. After a few successful projects, I'm open to adjusting payment terms as needed.

      So far, I haven't been screwed over, but if that ever happens, I'll probably go to 100% up front for new clients.
      Sarah,

      When I get my first flat tire I'll start carrying a spare.

      Do you see the problem?

      Cheers,
      Colin Palfrey
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  • Profile picture of the author jack jastin
    As a freelance writer, you can do the job either under any company or otherwise as an individual on contract basis.
    There are many types of freelance writing like Marketing,Programming, Graphic design,or otherwise Whatsoever.
    The main essence of freelance writing is that you are expected to put your efforts in a target oriented way, Commitments that is achievable,sell your work, and make contacts. Elance.com is a very appreciative site for any type of freelancing. You can also try with RentACoder.com, If you are having interest in software related articles. You can also try Designoutpost.com or LogoWorks.com for graphic design related freelancing. Its all depends upon your area of interest of writing.
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    • Profile picture of the author shadow_wolf013
      100% up front with any and all new clients.. non-negotiable. Repeat clients i am a little more lenient with, but it all comes down to relationships.

      Never had any problems with payment with my writing (all my clients come from WF) but ive encountered it with other services.

      My advice to others with it though, go with your instinct. And what your individual business needs dictate. There really isnt a one size fits all situations answer, as everyone operates differently.
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