Billing Overseas Clients

[jp612]

I just got a client who is based overseas. Whats the best method of billing? I like Paypal is that a good idea?

 

Also if I charge upfront, what gives the client piece of mind? How can they protect their initial deposit and be sure that I don't run off with it?

 

on the flip side, if I do some work for a client how can I be sure that I will receive my payment? I obviously don't want to have to charge every 3 minutes.

 

Since a email quote/agreement can be a legally binding contract. Can that help protect me if the client is in a different country?

 

So in essence whats a good quoting and billing strategy in this scenario?

 

Thanks

[Andrea]

Half down, half upon completion or 1/3 down, 1/3 when the design is established, and the rest upon completion are some options.

[daddyalfie]

I just got a client who is based overseas. Whats the best method of billing? I like Paypal is that a good idea?

 

Also if I charge upfront, what gives the client piece of mind? How can they protect their initial deposit and be sure that I don't run off with it?

 

on the flip side, if I do some work for a client how can I be sure that I will receive my payment? I obviously don't want to have to charge every 3 minutes.

 

Since a email quote/agreement can be a legally binding contract. Can that help protect me if the client is in a different country?

 

So in essence whats a good quoting and billing strategy in this scenario?

 

Thanks

 

I recently had a client in Latvia who wanted a museum quality reproduction of one of my paintings he had seen on my website.

 

The reproduction cost about $200 and I only charged $50 for my troubles. Paypal worked extremely well and he payed up front with no qualms.

 

Other than that, like Andrea said, 1/3's is a usual method and you may have to rely on good faith and some knowledge of the client. As to legal resources, I just don't know! Maybe a call to that nations embassy would clear up any questions?

[Andrea]

Maybe a call to that nations embassy would clear up any questions?

 

What kind of questions do you think they might be able to answer in this regard?

[jp612]

I recently had a client in Latvia who wanted a museum quality reproduction of one of my paintings he had seen on my website.

 

The reproduction cost about $200 and I only charged $50 for my troubles. Paypal worked extremely well and he payed up front with no qualms.

 

Other than that, like Andrea said, 1/3's is a usual method and you may have to rely on good faith and some knowledge of the client. As to legal resources, I just don't know! Maybe a call to that nations embassy would clear up any questions?

 

Sounds like a good idea. I had a look at the paypal security center and apparently they have alot of buyer and seller dispute assistance etc. So for legal concerns i guess they can help out.

 

I but I think billing in 1/3 is good idea especially if its the first time working with the client. Thanks!