Took 6 months to get paid by a client who kept saying 'the check is in the mail'

Had a client back in 2021 who hired me to do a full brand identity for their new coffee shop in Austin. Logo, menus, signage, the whole package. Did the work, sent the invoice, and then the waiting game started. Every two weeks I'd email them and they'd say 'oh yeah, it's coming, the check is in the mail'. Six months of that. Finally had to show up at their shop with a printed invoice and stand there until they wrote me a check on the spot. Has anyone else had to physically confront a client to get paid?

2 comments

2 Comments

jennifer_fisher3d ago

Used to think people were being dramatic about having to chase payments like this, but after reading your story I totally get it now. That's wild you had to literally go there and wait, but honestly good for you for doing it.

nancy33d ago

Exactly! That phrase "chase payments" really hits different once you've been through it yourself. I used to roll my eyes too @jennifer_fisher, thinking people just weren't patient enough or something. But nope, sometimes you genuinely HAVE to show up in person and sit there like you're waiting for a doctor's appointment just to get what you're owed. It's ABSOLUTELY insane that grown adults running a business think it's okay to just ignore invoices and emails like they don't exist. Good for you for sticking it out though, because that's the ONLY way some people learn you're not messing around.