Finally caved and paid for a proper contract template...

It was about $300 from a freelancer-focused legal site. I just used it for the first time on a new project and the client signed it without a single change... which never happens. Anyone have a go-to for handling late payments in theirs?

4 comments

4 Comments

nathan2893mo ago

How about a late fee that kicks in after 30 days?

adam_anderson63mo ago

Actually, my lease has that exact clause.

paul1171mo ago

Honestly, I used to think paying for a contract template was a waste when you could just grab something free off the internet. But then I had a client ghost me for 2 months with an invoice and the free template I used had zero language about late fees or interest. That was a brutal lesson. Seeing your client sign without changes sounds like a win. For late payments, I've got a 1.5% monthly interest charge that starts after 30 days right in my contract now. It's not huge, but it's enough that clients pay attention when the date rolls around. Really changed how I look at spending money on solid paperwork.

michael5191mo ago

Used to be on the other side of this thinking a free one was good enough... then a client took six months to pay and there wasn't a thing I could do about it. That $300 investment looks real smart now that yours signed without a fight. The late payment language is what separates a real contract from a wish list for sure.

-1