Originally Posted by
bunyip
Almost all my invoices fluctuate from month to month too.
I issue invoices mid-month with payment due on the 1st of the following month. So, in January I drew up invoices between 17th and 21st January, charging for all the February dates of care, plus any care previously provided but not charged for (usually extra hours, etc.). Any extra hours taken in February then go on the next invoice. So it's not strictly full payment in advance, because of extra bookings and additional hours that crop up at the last minute. But it's about 95% in advance IYSWIM.
With regard to introducing late fees, here's a suggestion. On the next invoice, include a calculation of the late payment fees they ought to be paying. Write it clearly on the invoice, then include a "discretionary credit" for the same amount, marked as " late fees waived as a discretionary credit ON THIS OCCASION ONLY - please note, late fees WILL be applied in all future instances in which payment is not received by the due date." That way, they've seen the maths, had their warning, and have only themselves to blame. It shows you're serious, but you do have to mean it and do it. Don't threaten what you're not prepared to go through with.
You might also like to prepare a rough calculation of ALL the late fees you've previously waived without even mentioning in the past. Then you can support your argument if/when she has a moan at you.
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