Tradies often face the issue of clients delaying payments after the job is done. Some clients will promise payment but then come up with excuses, leaving you chasing them for what you’re owed. This creates unnecessary stress, disrupts cash flow, and can damage your reputation if not handled correctly.
A tradie in Australia had to put a sign on a $16,000 fence because a developer wasn’t paying the bill, forcing him to go to extreme lengths to get attention for unpaid work. This situation highlights clients who delay or avoid payment, a real problem tradies deal with regularly. Read more here
The key is to spot these clients before you start the job. Knowing the signs early on can save you from time-wasters who never intend to pay on time. Here's how to identify them, protect your income, and ensure you get paid for the work you do.
Red Flags That Indicate Payment Delays
The signs of a client who might delay payments often show up before the job even begins. If a client is hesitant during the quoting process, asks vague questions about payment, or avoids committing to specific payment terms, it’s a clear red flag. Clients who promise to pay later but can’t provide a concrete date should be treated with caution. Once the job is finished, clients who go quiet or become difficult to reach are also likely to delay payment. Another common warning sign is when clients continuously change the scope of work without agreeing to a new price. These behaviours often indicate that the client will look for reasons to delay payment after the work is done.
Why Clients Delay Payments
There are several reasons why clients delay payments, some intentional and others unintentional. In some cases, clients are simply facing cash flow issues and try to delay payments until they have the funds available.
Other times, clients delay payments because they assume they can, knowing that many tradies avoid confrontation. Some clients also don’t see paying for the work as a priority, and they push the payment back while focusing on other expenses. Whatever the reason, it’s non-negotiable to identify these behaviours early.
The Impact of Payment Delays on Tradies
When payments are delayed, the impact is immediate and far-reaching. Tradies often face cash flow problems when clients don’t pay on time, making it difficult to pay for materials, wages, or even other jobs.
Chasing payments also wastes valuable time that could be spent on other work, adding unnecessary stress to your workload. Furthermore, unresolved payment issues can lead to damaged business relationships and negative reviews, which can harm your reputation and make it harder to secure future work.
How Feed4ward Helps You Avoid Payment Issues
Feed4ward is a simple tool that helps tradies avoid clients who may delay payment. By reading real reviews left by other tradies, you can spot clients who have a history of slow or missed payments.
Real reviews:
Tradies leave honest feedback on Feed4ward, sharing their experiences with clients. If a client has a history of delaying payments, you’ll see it in the reviews.
Client behaviour insights:
Feed4ward lets you check if a client has a pattern of slow or non-payment. By reading feedback from others, you can make an informed decision about whether to take the job.
Avoid problem clients:
The app helps you avoid clients who could cause payment headaches. If there are signs of potential issues, Feed4ward gives you the information you need to make better decisions before you start the job.
Protecting Your Income from Payment Delays
There are steps you can take to protect your income from delays:
- • Set clear payment terms upfront:
- • Request a deposit:
- • Send invoices promptly and professionally:
- • Set consequences for late payments:
Always be specific about when and how you expect to be paid. Outline payment terms clearly in the quote, and make sure the client understands what’s expected.
For larger jobs, ask for a deposit before starting the work. This shows that the client is committed and will help cover your costs.
Don’t wait to send invoices. Send them as soon as the job is finished, and be clear about the payment terms. Follow up regularly if payment is overdue.
Make sure your terms include penalties for late payments. Be firm about enforcing these penalties if the client delays payment.
Conclusion
Payment delays are a major issue that tradies must deal with regularly. However, by spotting warning signs early and using tools like Feed4ward to check client reviews, you can avoid working with clients who delay payments. Setting clear expectations upfront and maintaining good communication throughout the job can also help protect your income.
Feed4ward provides an easy way to check client behaviour before agreeing to a job, allowing you to focus on the clients who respect your time and your work. Start using Feed4ward today—it’s free and can help you protect your business from payment delays.