Getting paid properly is part of being professional. Clear agreements and invoices prevent arguments, and understanding how international payments work stops fees and scams from eating your income. This lesson describes the options in general terms. It does not recommend any provider, and rules and fees change, so always check the provider's own official pages.
Agree in writing first
Before starting, agree these points by email or in a simple contract:
- Scope: the tasks included, and what counts as extra.
- Rate: per hour, per task or a monthly retainer, and in which currency.
- Hours and availability, including time zones.
- Payment terms: how often you invoice, how many days the client has to pay, and the payment method.
- Confidentiality and how either side can end the arrangement.
For a first client, a short trial or splitting a project into stages with payment after each stage reduces your risk.
Invoices
An invoice is a document asking for payment. Include: your name and contact details, the client's name, an invoice number, the date, a list of work done with amounts, the total and currency, the due date and how to pay. Keep a copy of every invoice and record payments in a spreadsheet. A Google Docs template works well.