What to Send to a New Client: 5 Essential Documents for Freelancers and Service Professionals
Learn how to protect yourself from non-payment and establish a strong working relationship with new clients. Discover the essential documents to send, from contracts to payment links.
You've landed a new client, but the work hasn't started yet. The agreement was verbal, and you're not sure what to expect. Then, you realize you've forgotten to send a contract or an invoice, and the client's expectations are unclear. This can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and even non-payment. In this post, we'll show you what to send to a new client to establish a clear working relationship and get paid faster.
Why this keeps happening
The biggest problem freelancers and service professionals face when working with new clients is the lack of clear communication and expectations. Without a clear contract or agreement, it's easy for clients to misunderstand the scope of work, payment terms, or deadlines. This can lead to scope creep, delays, and even non-payment.
Real example
Sarah, a freelance writer, landed a new client for a website content project. However, she forgot to send a contract or an invoice, and the client's expectations were unclear. After a few weeks, the client contacted Sarah, requesting changes to the scope of work and a lower payment. Sarah had to redo the work and accept a lower payment, losing revenue and 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: Send a Clear Contract
When sending a contract, make sure it's clear, concise, and easy to understand. Include all the essential details, such as the scope of work, payment terms, deadlines, and communication protocols. Use Becflow's AI-powered contract generator to create a custom contract in minutes. For example, Marcus, a freelance designer, used Becflow's contract generator to create a contract for a new client. The contract included a clear scope of work, payment terms, and deadlines, ensuring a smooth working relationship.
Step 2: Include a Payment Link or Invoice
Including a payment link or invoice with your contract ensures timely payment. Becflow's payment links make it easy for clients to pay online, and automatic reminders ensure you follow up on overdue payments. For instance, Emily, a freelance photographer, used Becflow's payment links to send invoices to her clients. The payment links were easy to use, and Emily received payments on time, every time.
Step 3: Set Clear Expectations for Communication
Establishing clear communication protocols ensures you and your client are on the same page. Set clear expectations for response times, communication channels, and feedback mechanisms. Use Becflow's automatic reminders to follow up on overdue responses or payments. For example, David, a freelance consultant, set clear expectations for communication with his clients. He used Becflow's automatic reminders to follow up on overdue responses, ensuring a smooth working relationship.
Step 4: Define the Scope of Work
Defining the scope of work ensures you deliver exactly what your client needs. Use Becflow's scope of work template to create a clear and concise document outlining the project's objectives, deliverables, and timelines. For instance, Rachel, a freelance writer, used Becflow's scope of work template to define the scope of work for a new client. The scope of work document ensured a clear understanding of the project's objectives and deliverables.
Step 5: Establish a Payment Schedule
Establishing a payment schedule ensures timely payment and reduces the risk of non-payment. Use Becflow's payment schedule feature to set clear payment terms, including payment due dates, payment methods, and late payment fees. For example, Michael, a freelance developer, used Becflow's payment schedule feature to set clear payment terms with his clients. The payment schedule ensured timely payment and reduced the risk of non-payment.
The Becflow solution
Becflow's all-in-one invoicing and payment platform helps you send clear contracts, payment links, and automatic reminders to your clients. With Becflow, you can create custom contracts, send invoices, and follow up on overdue payments in minutes. Try Becflow today and start sending what you need to new clients to get paid faster and establish a strong working relationship.
Get paid faster, automatically
AI contracts, invoices with payment links, and automatic reminders. All in one place. Free for 7 days.
Start free trial