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Closing Process, Payment Setup, and Client Management

by lukeaf8
7 replies
Hey all,

I'm just beginning to set up an offline marketing business offering SEO, mobile sites, SMS marketing, and the likes.

However, I had a question about what it looks like to close with a client.

For instance, you recently talked with a small business owner who saw the value in the services you were offering. Now, he want's to sign up for SEO, or a marketing campaign, or some sort of bundle.

At this point do you sign them up online through some sort of e-checkout process? Do you set them up with paypal? CC? Automatic Bill Pay?
Is this an automatic process?
Does this payment process lead into a client management system that you have?

After, a client has signed up how do you manage the client?


I only ask because I know you're probably not working with cash...
And getting checks from each individual client is outdated and tedious.
Then, clearly automated is the way of the web!
So what does that look like?


I appreciate all the help in advanced!
#client #closing #management #payment #process #setup
  • Profile picture of the author redcell1
    Looks like blinksale or freshbooks for client invoicing. People start off using paypal but if a client does a chargeback your pretty much guaranteed to not get your money back.
    Client management system - this depends on your prefrences honestly. Try to find a CRM/management system that works nicely with your invoicing software and you are golden.

    As for as managing a client could you describe exactly in detail what you mean?
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    • Profile picture of the author JonnyA
      Freshbooks used with PayPal is great when you're starting out. You can sign up and use their invoicing system for up to 5 clients for free.

      Tell your new clients that you'll email them an invoice with your "secure online invoicing system". Log into Freshbooks, set up an invoice, enter the client's contact info and email address, and hit send. They'll receive a professional-looking invoice (custom branded with your business logo and colors) that they can pay with credit card or PayPal.

      Any recurring payments can be set up in the same way and it'll automatically send them a bill or receipt each month.

      Freshbooks integrates with a ton of other programs as well, so I would just go sign up now and start making that money...
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      • Profile picture of the author lukeaf8
        Originally Posted by JonnyA View Post

        Freshbooks used with PayPal is great when you're starting out. You can sign up and use their invoicing system for up to 5 clients for free.

        Tell your new clients that you'll email them an invoice with your "secure online invoicing system". Log into Freshbooks, set up an invoice, enter the client's contact info and email address, and hit send. They'll receive a professional-looking invoice (custom branded with your business logo and colors) that they can pay with credit card or PayPal.

        Any recurring payments can be set up in the same way and it'll automatically send them a bill or receipt each month.

        Freshbooks integrates with a ton of other programs as well, so I would just go sign up now and start making that money...

        Great info! Thanks for the help!
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    • Profile picture of the author lukeaf8
      Originally Posted by redcell1 View Post

      Looks like blinksale or freshbooks for client invoicing. People start off using paypal but if a client does a chargeback your pretty much guaranteed to not get your money back.
      Client management system - this depends on your prefrences honestly. Try to find a CRM/management system that works nicely with your invoicing software and you are golden.

      As for as managing a client could you describe exactly in detail what you mean?
      I took a quick glance at blinksale and freshbooks and they look like just what I'm looking for.
      When I talk about managing clients I think you covered it with the CRM suggestion.
      However, I am wondering do you have your clients sign a contract? If so what does that contract include?

      Thanks for all the help.
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  • Profile picture of the author enterpriseunlimited
    LOL... I find it hilarious that you say "getting checks from each individual client is outdated and tedious."

    I prefer checks, but not the way you would assume. I get customers to authorize drafts for the life of the contract (which auto-renews), and each month I simply send each client an invoice reminding them about the pending draft. Then on the contract date, I print out the check and deposit it. No processing fees, no charge backs, no transaction charges... even in the rare instance that a check bounces, it is still less expensive than processing credit cards or via PayPal.

    Only when the customer specifically requests to pay by credit card do I set up a PayPal invoice, on a case-by-case basis. For the most part, I still run my company by fax & phone- but a few years ago I started using vTiger and it allows me to run everything from lead generation to sales support through my website. But switching over to fax-by-email services & VOIP made it possible to manage each process [marketing, lead generation, sales, customer support, project management] virtually.

    Hope that helps...
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    Every day of our lives we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference. ~Mignon McLaughlin
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    • Profile picture of the author lukeaf8
      Originally Posted by enterpriseunlimited View Post

      LOL... I find it hilarious that you say "getting checks from each individual client is outdated and tedious."

      I prefer checks, but not the way you would assume. I get customers to authorize drafts for the life of the contract (which auto-renews), and each month I simply send each client an invoice reminding them about the pending draft. Then on the contract date, I print out the check and deposit it. No processing fees, no charge backs, no transaction charges... even in the rare instance that a check bounces, it is still less expensive than processing credit cards or via PayPal.

      Only when the customer specifically requests to pay by credit card do I set up a PayPal invoice, on a case-by-case basis. For the most part, I still run my company by fax & phone- but a few years ago I started using vTiger and it allows me to run everything from lead generation to sales support through my website. But switching over to fax-by-email services & VOIP made it possible to manage each process [marketing, lead generation, sales, customer support, project management] virtually.

      Hope that helps...

      Haha sorry didn't mean to be offensive!
      I'm curious about your check drafting process, I've never done anything like that before but it does sound super easy, and it minimizes fees. How would I find out more about that?

      Also, I'm interested... what does your contract look like?


      Thanks for the help.
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      • Profile picture of the author tjbooker
        I am also curious about how you set up auto draft fro the checks

        Thanks
        TJ

        Originally Posted by lukeaf8 View Post

        Haha sorry didn't mean to be offensive!
        I'm curious about your check drafting process, I've never done anything like that before but it does sound super easy, and it minimizes fees. How would I find out more about that?

        Also, I'm interested... what does your contract look like?


        Thanks for the help.
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