I broke free from a 9-5 job recently and started freelancing. I provide a training/consulting service to corporate clients. A training provider hired me to go in under their brand to do work in a multinational drink company. We agreed on a fee and that they would pay me within at least 30 days of completion. In that time, I started a second project for them as well. 

I finished the job and sent an invoice. I nudged them after ten days. Nothing. I sent another reminder after twenty days. Nothing. Thirty days passed and I arranged a face to face meeting with the director of the company. 

Client: I’m sorry, we’re still waiting on payment from the drink company, so until they pay us we can’t pay you.

Me: Uh… My payment schedule contract was with you, not your client. 

Lots of shouting and table thumping ensued. Eventually, I told him that if I wasn’t paid within three days I wouldn’t hand over the second project.

I’m expecting a similar situation in January when payment for project 2 is due. I’m not going to be taking any more work from them so I’ll have my solicitor primed for action. The joys!