Perhaps another insight from yet a different industry perspective might be helpful. Ours is a small, boutique executive search firm operating in a highly specialized manufacturing-focused executive recruiting environment. Search project execution typically takes about 75-95 days.

Our normal retainer of one-third of total estimated search fee is received at the time we undertake a project. We collect subsequent retainers during the course of the search on a regular basis. In 20+ years we have had only two receivables problems, and then only with respect to the final payment. In both cases clients' slow payment had served as an early alert and we had already pulled major resources off the executive search. Financial damage was only minimal.

Strangely, I never have to use it with the good clients who stick around. A professional client relationship is great, because each of you knows what the deal is. Clients don't expect to get something for nothing, and writers don't expect to get stiffed. It's a better way to work, isn't it?

Heh, I've tried that one - they get all insulted, indignant, and act like I've just gravely offended their integrity. They pay, and then they disappear. Not really the type of relationship I'd like to cultivate, so I don't wave the "copyright" flag so much anymore.

True, James, but some clients don't know that. I often find that reminding them that I can publish or resell the work eliminates a few tardy payers.

I indicate the same, that I retain copyright until full payment is made. However, I've been blathered on about the "work for hire" excuse so many times from U.S. clients that I'm beginning to wonder exactly what happened to writers and their copyright rights!

Generally, unless there is a work for hire agreement, copyright remains in the author's possession until the author transfers it to someone else through legal means.

I indicate the same, that I retain copyright until full payment is made. However, I've been waived the "work for hire" excuse so many times from U.S. clients that I'm beginning to wonder exactly what happened to writers and their copyright rights!

I also do milestone payments and 50 per cent deposits, especially when it's a new client, and perhaps I should do it in all cases. I've found a couple of clients who make it through that stage and then delay payment. I do make it clear that I retain copyright till work is paid for, though.

From the perspective of a different field entirely (coaching/consulting/personal growth), I, too, request a 50% deposit in order to secure an event date. They know, from the contract that they signed, that balance then is due 30 days prior to the event. While I don't do this with individual clients, I have never seen the need. It is the corporate clients and the retail businesses who sell my Confident Women Coaching Cards who give me the hardest time with prompt payment.

James and Mike,

I agree with you about getting a 50% down-payment.

In my letter of agreement, I also spell out the conditions under which I can invoice for the final payment.

Making your expectations clear in advance through your letter of agreement can avert problems later.

Susan

James - Great point on the downpayment. I always request 50% down and let the client know that this is standard practice. - Mike

One good way to circumvent the problem of payment issues is to request a deposit before beginning to work. You can set up further milestones throughout the project, ensuring that you're being paid until the very end. If a client stops paying, you stop working - and you're not caught short with your own bill payments.

However, this post fails to address what the title promised - how to end the client relationship. It addressed only one reason why a freelancer should end the client relationship, but it didn't cover a good how-to of methods to shake hands and part ways without losing credibility or ending up with a tarnished reputation.

Which gives me an idea for a blog post of my own...

For more advice on freelance relationships, I encourage you to visit my blog at www.jcme.ca/jcmefreelancewriti..., where you'll find more help on dealing with clients and having a better overall working environment.