Sending a payment request as a freelancer

Work done; now to get paid. The faster and easier your client can pay, the less chasing you have to do. Here is how to send a payment request as a freelancer that actually gets paid.

The options

Bank transfer

The classic way: your IBAN and the invoice number as payment reference on the invoice. It costs nothing, but your client has to make the transfer themselves, and that often slips.

iDEAL payment link

A link your client uses to pay in a few taps through their own bank. With a payment provider such as Mollie you see straight away that it has been paid. You do pay a small amount per payment.

QR code on the spot

Do you work on location, like trainers, tradespeople and photographers? Let your client scan the QR code with their phone camera. Paid before you walk out of the door.

Tips for getting paid faster

1. Send the invoice straight away, on the day you finish the work.
2. Put the payment link in the invoice or email, so paying is one click.
3. Give a clear due date, for example "to be paid by 14 November" rather than "within 14 days".
4. Send a friendly reminder as soon as the due date has passed.
5. Make sure the invoice is correct: an invoice with mistakes often only gets paid once there is a new one.

What if a client doesn't pay?

First send a reminder, then a formal notice. For private clients there are extra rules before you may charge collection costs, such as a notice with a 14-day payment term. If in doubt, get advice.

With TikBon you create the invoice and payment link in one go. Your client pays by iDEAL through a link or QR code, and the invoice is marked as paid automatically. Get started for free.

This is general information, not tax advice. Rules can change; if in doubt, check the website of the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax authority) or ask your accountant.