PPP: Ducks In A Row

'Ducks in a row' getting your stuff in order. A talk from John about how to get paid and how to cover your arse should said person decide not to pay you and you decide to talk that jerk to court.

ASK for the budget
DONT be shy to be professional
TELL them how much you need (cost that job up)

Estimate.. 50% of the money upfront because they are a new client.
Balance paid on supply of finals
Copyright will be released on full and final payment - they know they cant use it until youre paid
Any additional work will be charged at XXX an hour
Full Breakdown
You ask for the purchase order number and their approval of your terms
If something goes wrong for any reason, KILL FEE

Example Invoice

Invoice number: KW000001 (start with an ambitious amount of zeros, like expect more in the future so will be followed by KW000002 etc)
Date: (you received the payment)
My Ref (you create your own for the project)
Client purchase number (THE MOST IMPORTANT PART)

Tell them what they asked for
Purchase number is so so important
ALWAYS write who you spoke too down, it is so important.
Upfront payment and when you received that payment.

Balance Due ____
Then how you want to be paid -- Bank notes, paypal, direct debit NEVER EVER CHEQUES

They give you the money so make them a reciept too.


INVOICE AT THE END. PURCHASE ORDER AT THE START.
Become friends with the accounts department, they are the real masterminds.
Write down expenditures should you need to adjust your price.