5 rules on the financial part of your freelance assignments

When you start working for yourself as a freelancer, a lot of things will need your attention. To make sure you can get the most out of your time you need to organise and plan ahead. One of the things you don't want to do is argue with you client about payments and working progress. Instead you will have the time to make an some awesome product.

So how will we get the most out of our time?

1. The first rule is to view every assignment from a business perspective.
   Even when you do something for friends or family, a agreement and good planning can prevent unneccersary discussions.
    
2. The second rule is always make an official agreement, that has to be signt by both parties.
   In here you'll need to write down who gives you the assignment, what kind of work you will be doing and a short explanation on how the progess from start till end will go.
    
3. The third rule, explain/ define where you're hours come from.
   When you set a fixed or open price depending on your hours made, you'll have to define on where those hours are spend on. So this way your client can understand where the final price came from.
    
4. The fourt rule is get paid in terms
   To make sure you have a steady income you need to brake the payment in 3 steps. This way you don't have to wait until the end of the project. (For example; 1/3 before starting, 1/3 when the design part is finished and the remaining 1/3 when the project is finished.) This way you also know that both parties are serious and if for some reason the client stops replaying? You've atleast recieved a part of the reward for you work.
    
5. The fifth rule is always keep in touch with your client
   It's importent to get your client involved with the progress that you'll make on his product. So let him know what you finished last week and what the planning is for next week. If something is unclear or difficult to explane always call, don't email!

I'll hope these five point can help you focus on the thing you love, your work and improve the "rendement" of your working days.

Do you have any tips or rules you use and think they can help others to? Please share them with us by leaving a comment below.