Is 17Hats Worth It for Freelancers and Service Professionals in 2026: A Comprehensive Review
Discover if 17Hats is the right fit for your freelancing or service business, and learn how to streamline your invoicing, contracts, and payments with Becflow.
You've just finished a grueling project for a new client, only to be left high and dry when it comes to payment. They agreed to a 30-day payment term, but now you're starting to worry that you'll never see the $5,000 you're owed. This is the harsh reality many freelancers and service professionals face every day. In this post, we'll explore the pros and cons of using 17Hats and provide a comprehensive review of its features. We'll also show you how to implement a better system for managing your invoices, contracts, and payments with Becflow.
Why this keeps happening
The problem lies in the lack of clear communication and expectations from the get-go. Without a solid contract in place, clients may assume they can negotiate payment terms or even back out of the deal altogether. This can lead to delayed or non-payment, causing financial stress and uncertainty for freelancers and service professionals.
Real example
Take the case of Emily, a freelance writer who invested 20 hours into a project for a new client. She sent over a detailed contract and invoice, but the client stalled on payment, claiming they 'weren't sure if they could afford it.' Emily was left with a loss of income and a damaged relationship with the client.
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: Define Clear Payment Terms and Expectations
When working with a new client, it's essential to define clear payment terms and expectations from the get-go. Use 17Hats' contract templates to create a comprehensive agreement that outlines payment schedules, due dates, and any late fees. For example, you can specify a 50% deposit upfront, followed by a 30-day payment term for the remaining balance. This will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure timely payment.
Step 2: Create a Payment Schedule and Due Dates
Once you've defined your payment terms, create a payment schedule and due dates using Becflow's calendar feature. This will allow you to track payment deadlines and send automatic reminders to clients when payment is due. For instance, you can set up a recurring payment schedule for a monthly retainer, ensuring ongoing revenue and reducing financial uncertainty.
Step 3: Use AI-Powered Contract Generator
Use Becflow's AI-powered contract generator to create customized contracts in minutes. This feature allows you to input your business details, services offered, and payment terms, and generate a comprehensive contract in seconds. For example, you can create a contract for a website design project that outlines payment schedules, intellectual property rights, and termination clauses.
Step 4: Send Automatic Reminders and Follow-Ups
To ensure timely payment, send automatic reminders and follow-ups to clients using Becflow's email automation feature. This can be set up to send reminders 7-10 days before payment is due, followed by a final reminder a day before the due date. For instance, you can send a reminder to a client who has a payment due on March 15th, stating that their payment is overdue and requesting immediate payment.
Step 5: Set Up a Retainer System
Finally, set up a retainer system using Becflow's recurring payment feature. This will ensure ongoing revenue and reduce financial uncertainty. For example, you can set up a monthly retainer for a client who requires ongoing web development services, ensuring that you receive a fixed payment every month.
The Becflow solution
While 17Hats can be a useful tool for freelancers and service professionals, it may not provide the level of automation and customization you need to streamline your invoicing, contracts, and payments. That's where Becflow comes in – our AI-powered platform offers a range of features designed to help you manage your business more efficiently, including AI contracts, payment links, and automatic reminders. Try Becflow today and discover a better way to manage your business and get paid faster.
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