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17hats Review 2026: Get Paid Faster & Reduce Invoicing Stress for Freelancers & Service Professionals

Discover how 17hats can streamline your invoicing, contract, and payment processes to minimize delays and maximise earnings.

June 2026·7 min read

You've spent hours crafting a proposal, and finally, you land a client who needs your expertise. But then, they cancel at the last minute, leaving you with a lost day's work and a hefty void in your schedule. You've lost not only the income but also the momentum. This is a tale as old as time for freelancers and service professionals: the struggle is real, and it's time to take control.

Why this keeps happening

The root cause of this issue lies in the inefficiencies of traditional invoicing and contract management systems. Without a clear payment structure, you risk losing track of payments and incurring financial losses. Additionally, manual invoicing and contract creation can be time-consuming, taking away from the time you could be investing in your business or clients.

Real example

Take Sarah, a freelance writer who recently lost a client due to poor communication. She had sent an invoice, but it wasn't paid on time, and the client cancelled the project. As a result, Sarah lost not only the income but also the opportunity to build a lasting relationship with the client.

The habits that fix this permanently

These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:

Implement a clear payment structure, including deposit requirements and payment terms, to avoid last-minute cancellations.
Use a contract management system to automate contract creation, signing, and storage.
Incorporate automatic reminders and payment links into your invoicing process to reduce the likelihood of missed payments.
Streamline your invoicing process by using a centralized platform that integrates with your accounting software.
Set clear expectations with clients regarding payment terms, contract duration, and cancellation policies.
Use a time-tracking feature to accurately bill clients for the work completed.

How to implement this step by step

01

Create a Payment Structure That Works

Establish a clear payment structure that includes deposit requirements and payment terms. This will help you minimize the risk of last-minute cancellations. For example, you can require a 50% deposit upfront and the remaining balance on completion of the project. This will ensure that you have some financial security even if the client cancels at the last minute.

02

Automate Contract Creation and Management

Use a contract management system to automate contract creation, signing, and storage. This will save you time and reduce the risk of manual errors. For example, you can use a platform like 17hats to create and send contracts to clients, and then automatically store them in your client management system.

03

Streamline Your Invoicing Process

Use a centralized platform that integrates with your accounting software to streamline your invoicing process. This will help you reduce the time spent on invoicing and minimize the risk of missed payments. For example, you can use 17hats to create and send invoices to clients, and then automatically sync them with your accounting software.

04

Set Clear Expectations with Clients

Set clear expectations with clients regarding payment terms, contract duration, and cancellation policies. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of lost income. For example, you can include a clause in your contract that outlines the payment terms and the consequences of last-minute cancellations.

05

Use Automatic Reminders and Payment Links

Use automatic reminders and payment links to reduce the likelihood of missed payments. This will help you stay on top of payments and minimize the risk of financial losses. For example, you can use 17hats to send automatic reminders to clients when their payment is due, and then provide them with a secure payment link to make the payment.

The Becflow solution

Becflow offers a comprehensive solution to these invoicing and contract management challenges. With its AI-powered contract creation, automatic reminders, and payment links, you can streamline your invoicing process, reduce the risk of lost income, and focus on what matters most - delivering exceptional services to your clients. Try Becflow today and take the first step towards a more efficient and profitable business.

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