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Pro tip: stop sending estimates as PDFs, use a payment link instead
I was tired of clients saying they'd pay and then ghosting for weeks. Switched to sending a Stripe payment link right in my first email after the quote, and 3 out of 4 paid same day last month. Has anyone else tried locking in payment before you even start the work?
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taylor_wells3mo ago
Started doing the same thing about eight months ago after a client straight up told me they'd pay me "next week" and then I saw them posting vacation pics on Instagram. I use a Square link instead of Stripe just because that's what I already had set up for in person stuff at craft fairs and whatever. It works pretty well for me but I did have one guy who got all weird about it and asked if he could just write me a check instead, which I guess some people still do for some reason. Honestly the whole paying before starting thing has saved me so much headache I don't even bother with people who push back on it anymore.
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davidshah3mo ago
That's a bold move asking for payment upfront, but I've seen it backfire more than it helps. Clients who pay before they get the work often expect you to jump instantly, then get mad if you need a day to think or adjust their project. Plus, a lot of people genuinely need to see the finished thing before they feel comfortable handing over their money, even if they're not trying to scam you.
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keith1643mo ago
That check thing is always a red flag... checks can bounce. Someone wanting to pay after you finish is fine if they've got a history with you. But a stranger who gets weird about paying first? Nah, walk away. Saved yourself a headache before it even started.
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