Freelancing is a popular career choice for many people nowadays, with the benefits of self-employment and independence. Graphic designers are in high demand so it’s not difficult to find work as one. But you’ll need to know how to get paid as a freelance graphic designer if you want to succeed. In this post we will discuss the most common methods and how they can help your business thrive!
Payment is often due within 30 days of your work being completed but this can vary from client to client so it’s important that you know exactly when they expect the fee to be paid in full before starting a project. You will need to have a conversation with your client about arranging payment and the best way to do this is face-to-face.
Get a Deposit Before Starting a Project
It’s good practice to get deposits from your clients before starting the work. This ensures they are committed and will pay you for your time once it is completed. You can receive a deposit of up to 50% which must be paid upfront, with the remainder due upon completion. Keep in mind that this may not be suitable for every client, particularly new companies or startups.
If you do get a deposit from your clients, don’t spend it until the project is completed! This will ensure that if anything goes wrong during the production of their design assets they can hold up their end of the bargain and still pay you for your time. If this does happen be sure to have a good contract in place so you can avoid any costly legal battles.
State Down Payment Terms, Timeframe for Payment and Late Penalties
It’s important to state how much of the payment is due upfront, and what percentage will be due upon completion. You can receive a deposit of up to 50% which must be paid upfront, with the remainder due upon completion. Keep in mind that this may not be suitable for every client, particularly new companies or startups.
If you do decide to accept a deposit, always make sure they have signed an agreement stating that you will not start work until the total amount of the project has been paid.
Ensuring your contract specifies when payment is expected after completion is vital; late penalties should be included in this section too. It’s important to set out when payment is due, and if you accept a percentage of the total fee upon completion then specify what the remainder will be payable in. If your client fails to pay on time make sure you include late fees or penalties for doing so.
In some cases, if you have been working on a long term project for more than six months, they may agree to pay at certain milestone points instead of after completion which will give them an opportunity to try out your work before making a final payment.
You can also offer to split the fees into smaller installments and this may be more suitable for clients who don’t have large budgets or those you are just starting out with. You could do this by offering different rates depending on how much they want done so that it’s cheaper than paying all at once .
Invoice Promptly and on Time
Make sure that your client always pays promptly and on time. If they don’t, send an invoice as soon as possible detailing the amount outstanding and any further charges incurred because of late payment. It’s a good idea to set out how you will be charging them for each stage of work completed or product delivered so there are no misunderstandings regarding additional charges. It’s also a good idea to include an invoice for the full amount of work done and send this once payment has been received for any interim invoices, so your client pays no more than is necessary.
A final piece of advice would be to always invoice correctly stating your company name (if registered), contact details which should include address for billing purposes, an accurate description of services provided along with any relevant tax information such as VAT number, company registration number for example.
Always Follow-Up
If you haven’t been paid, a gentle reminder or follow-up is all that’s required. If payment still hasn’t come through after the second invoice, it’s time to make your client aware of what they owe and how long its been outstanding for. Don’t be aggressive though – if fact let them know you are happy with an electronic transfer, this way you’ll get paid sooner.
If payment is still slow to come through or non-existent after two follow ups, you need to make a decision on how much further effort your client warrants. Is the work involved constant and ongoing? If not it might be best for both parties if you end relations with them now rather than let them drag on.
If a client continuously stiffs you, it’s time to terminate your relationship with them and move onto more reliable clients that pay up promptly without the hassle of chasing payment. Never be aggressive or threatening in any communication regarding money owed as this will only lead to further problems later down the line. If possible ask for initial payments by credit card which you can charge if they don’t pay on time.
To avoid issues like this in the future, always get a written quote before starting work and put payment milestones in place so your client pays you according to their ability. For example ask for 25% up front then 50%, then lastly just prior to delivery of the final files. This ensures you get some money up front and on time to cover expenses, then payment in stages as the work is completed.
Use Trusted Payment Methods
Freelancers are often paid by cheque, bank transfer or through online payment systems directly into their account. It is important to ensure that you have access to the necessary banking facilities before accepting work, so that you can get your fee in a timely manner and on time. You may also need direct deposit facilities for further projects if this has been a method of payment on previous work.
It is also common for clients to pay through PayPal or with credit/debit cards directly from their account. A fee may be charged by the company if this is the case, so make sure you are aware of any charges before accepting your fee in this way. In some cases, clients do not have access to direct payment facilities and may ask you for an invoice.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to get paid as a freelance graphic designer. You’ve got the tools and knowledge necessary for success in this industry. This is just the beginning of your journey into being an awesome freelancer! We hope that you have found this article helpful, but if not please visit our blog again soon to learn more about other topics related to design or marketing. Thank you so much for reading! Be sure to click on our link below if you want help finding clients through Artmeet Freelance Marketplace where we connect talented designers with companies looking for their services.