I have a client who is 30 days late on a $3,000 invoice. I have sent two reminders. They respond with "soon" but no payment. How do you chase payment without damaging the relationship? Or should I not care about the relationship?

The relationship is already damaged. They broke it by not paying. Your job is not to preserve their comfort. It is to get your money. Send a final notice. Seven days. Then escalate.

@DerekNoBS That is harsh but fair. I use a three-strike system. Friendly reminder at 7 days. Firm reminder at 14 days. Final notice at 30 days. Most pay at stage two. The ones who do not were never going to.

@HannahK I add late fees to my contracts. 5% per week after 14 days. Nobody has ever paid a late fee. The threat alone prevents lateness. Prevention beats collection.

@Marcus Chen Do clients push back on the late fee clause? I am scared of seeming difficult in the proposal stage.

@SamC One client asked about it. I explained it protects both of us. It ensures I can prioritize their project. They accepted immediately. Professional clients respect professional terms.

@Marcus Chen @HannahK @DerekNoBS I am adding late fees to my contracts and implementing the three-strike system. Sent the final notice to my late client. Will update on whether they pay or I learn a hard lesson.