December can be a difficult month for you as a Nigerian freelancer. Your clients are busy finishing projects and closing their books for the year, which often delays approvals and pushes your payments into late December or sometimes January. At the same time, you need your money sooner, as festive plans and rising costs all add extra pressure.
Because of this, you try to get payments early, before your clients finalise their accounts for the year. It becomes a balancing act between your growing December expenses and slower client payments.
This article will show you practical steps to avoid late payments and secure your earnings on time.
Also read: Best ways to receive international payments in Nigeria
December can feel stressful for you as a freelancer, especially when payments start arriving late. Understanding why clients delay can help you plan better and take steps to get paid on time.
Book closuresDuring December, many clients are focused on closing their financial books and reconciling accounts. Even if you’ve completed your work, approvals can be delayed while they prioritise internal accounting, leaving you waiting for payments that may only come after the year ends.
Budget constraintsClients often face tighter budgets in December due to taxes, bonuses, or operational costs. This can make it harder for them to release payments on time, even for work you’ve already delivered, meaning you may have to wait for your money longer than usual.
Administrative delaysThe end of the year brings extra projects, reporting, and audits. With clients juggling multiple responsibilities, your invoices can sit in approval queues longer than normal, delaying your payment and forcing you to plan around slower cash flow.
Holiday distractionsFestive activities, company parties, and staff taking leave can slow down decision-making. Key people may be unavailable, causing invoices to be overlooked or postponed, which could result in your payment being pushed into the new year.
Also read: How to receive payments from Fiverr in Nigeria
By taking proactive steps, you can minimise delays and ensure you receive your freelance earnings before the festive rush.
Send invoices promptlyMake sure you issue invoices immediately after completing work, with clear due dates and payment instructions. Providing detailed breakdowns, references, and any necessary documents reduces confusion and prevents back-and-forth delays. The sooner your invoice reaches the client, the higher the chance they will process your payment before year-end.
Follow up proactivelyDon’t wait until the due date to check on payment. Send polite reminders a few days before the deadline and again if it passes. Regular, professional follow-ups keep your invoice on the client’s radar and show that you take payment seriously, increasing the likelihood of early processing.
Request partial paymentsFor larger projects, negotiate partial payments up front or milestones throughout the project. Receiving a portion early reduces financial pressure and ensures you have funds available even if clients delay the final payment. Clear agreements at the start make it easier to secure timely compensation.
Confirm payment detailsMake sure your client has all the correct bank or payment information and knows your preferred method. Clarifying currency, account numbers, and online transfer options prevents technical delays. A quick confirmation before the invoice is processed can save days, ensuring you get your money on schedule.
Late payments don’t have to ruin your December plans. With Grey, you can send invoices promptly and receive payments quickly at low costs.
Simply sign up or download the app to avoid the usual delays and secure your earnings on time.
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