How to Get Paid On Time as a UK Freelancer or Sole Trader

If you’re a freelancer or sole trader in the UK, you’ve likely faced the same frustrating scenario:

You’ve delivered amazing work. You send the invoice. And then… silence.

Late payments are one of the biggest headaches for self-employed professionals, affecting:

• Cash flow – you can’t pay yourself or your bills on time

• Productivity – chasing clients takes energy away from paid work

• Stress levels – constant worry about when you’ll get paid

The good news? You can take control of your payments with a few smart strategies—and the right tools.

Why UK Freelancers and Sole Traders Struggle to Get Paid

Before we fix the problem, let’s look at why payments are often delayed:

1. Invoices get buried in clients’ inboxes

2. No clear payment terms or due dates

3. Freelancers forget to follow up consistently

4. Relying on spreadsheets or PDFs for tracking

Sound familiar? These issues are common—but 100% fixable.

Step 1: Set Clear Payment Terms Upfront

Before starting any project, make sure your client knows:

• Your payment terms (e.g., 7, 14, or 30 days)

• Accepted payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)

• Late payment policy if applicable

Pro Tip: Include payment terms on your invoice to make it crystal clear.

Step 2: Send Professional Invoices (Fast)

The faster your invoice goes out, the faster you get paid.

Using SoloCRM, you can:

• Create and send GBP invoices in minutes

• Auto-number invoices to stay organised

• Attach payment details clearly for your clients

Professional invoices = faster payments and less confusion.

Step 3: Automate Payment Reminders

Chasing clients manually is stressful and time-consuming.

Automation fixes this.

• SoloCRM lets you schedule polite reminders for overdue invoices

• Keeps communication professional and consistent

• Clients pay faster without awkward conversations

Step 4: Track Who’s Paid (and Who Hasn’t)

You can’t chase payments you don’t realise are late.

With SoloCRM’s revenue dashboard, you can:

• See paid, pending, and overdue invoices at a glance

• Track monthly and yearly revenue automatically

• Avoid end-of-year surprises for HMRC or VAT

Step 5: Focus on Reliable Clients

As your business grows, you’ll notice a pattern:

• Some clients pay immediately

• Some are always late

SoloCRM’s client history helps you:

• Identify your most reliable clients

• Decide who deserves priority and repeat work

• Spot potential cash flow risks before they grow

Real Story: How Dan Reduced Late Payments by 70%

Dan, a freelance video editor from Birmingham, used to:

• Chase invoices in his email inbox

• Forget follow-ups and accept late payments as “normal”

After switching to SoloCRM:

• His average payment time dropped from 30 days to 9 days

• Overdue invoices decreased by 70%

• He spends 80% less time on admin and more on creative work

Final Thoughts: Stop Waiting, Start Getting Paid

Getting paid on time isn’t just about money—it’s about peace of mind and a healthy business.

With SoloCRM, UK freelancers and sole traders can:
✅ Send professional invoices fast
✅ Automate payment reminders
✅ Track revenue and overdue payments with ease

💡 Try SoloCRM for free today and finally take control of your cash flow.