How to Charge for a Discovery Call and Get Paid Faster as a Service Professional
Learn how to charge for discovery calls, create contracts, and get paid on time with Becflow's B2B SaaS tool.
You spend hours preparing for a discovery call with a potential new client, only to have them cancel at the last minute without paying a dime. This can happen repeatedly, resulting in lost time and revenue. This post will show you how to charge for discovery calls, set clear expectations, and get paid on time with Becflow's B2B SaaS tool.
Why this keeps happening
Many service professionals struggle to charge for discovery calls due to a lack of clear contracts, inadequate communication, and poor payment habits. Without a clear deposit system or contract in place, it's easy for clients to cancel or not pay, leaving you with lost time and revenue.
Real example
Sarah, a freelance marketing consultant, spent three hours preparing for a discovery call with a new client. However, at the last minute, the client canceled without paying for the call. This resulted in a lost opportunity for Sarah to earn $300 and a waste of her time.
The habits that fix this permanently
These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:
How to implement this step by step
Step 1: Set Clear Expectations and Communicate Your Fee
When scheduling a discovery call, clearly communicate your fee and payment expectations to the client. This can be done via email or phone. Make sure to outline the scope of work, payment terms, and cancellation policies in the contract or agreement. For example, Sarah could say, 'My discovery call fee is $300, and I require payment upfront to secure your spot. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.'
Step 2: Use a Contract or Agreement to Outline Payment Terms
Use a contract or agreement to outline the scope of work, payment terms, and cancellation policies. This will help protect you and your business from potential disputes or non-payment. For example, the contract could state, 'Payment for the discovery call is due upon scheduling, and cancellation must be made at least 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.'
Step 3: Require a Deposit or Payment Upfront
Require a deposit or payment upfront to secure the client's spot. This will help ensure timely payment and reduce the risk of non-payment. For example, Sarah could say, 'I require a $100 deposit to secure your spot for the discovery call. This deposit will be applied to the total fee upon completion of the call.'
Step 4: Automate Reminders and Follow-ups
Automate reminders and follow-ups to ensure timely payment and minimize the risk of late payments. This can be done using a payment link or invoicing system like Becflow. For example, Becflow's automated reminders can send a notification to the client 24 hours before the discovery call to confirm their payment and attendance.
Step 5: Use AI-Powered Contracts and Payment Links
Use AI-powered contracts and payment links to simplify the payment process and reduce the risk of non-payment. Becflow's all-in-one platform allows you to create and send contracts, payment links, and automated reminders in just a few clicks. For example, you can create a contract with Becflow and automatically send a payment link to the client, ensuring timely payment and minimizing the risk of disputes.
The Becflow solution
Becflow's B2B SaaS tool helps service professionals like you charge for discovery calls, create contracts, and get paid on time. With AI-powered contracts, payment links, and automated reminders, you can streamline your payment process, reduce the risk of non-payment, and focus on delivering high-quality services to your clients. Sign up for a free trial today and start getting paid faster!
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