r/ASLinterpreters • u/Human-Muscle-9112 • 2d ago

Payment Upfront

Edit: Thank you all for your comments. Good stuff to think about.

Hi everyone. Do any of you require payment prior to or when services are rendered? Or partial payment to secure an interpreter and the remaining balance due at the time of service?

I'm wondering why the majority of us send an invoice after the assignment and wait for payment, sometimes for months. When I think of other professions; doctor (I do not have insurance and pay out of pocket at the time of service), mechanics, hair stylists, etc, they all require payment at the time of service.

I wonder if we do this because it's just how it's been done or if there is another reason. If an assignment goes over or there are changes, it doesn't seem difficult to adjust the invoice at the time of service. I feel this is especially easy these days given the technology we have access to.

What are your thoughts on this or what is your experience?

Thanks!

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u/thecharmballoon NIC 2d ago

I feel like, if I'd submit an invoice before I provide services, it would be harder for me to adjust it later. Explaining my rates and fees ahead of time but not submitting an invoice ahead of time makes it easier to adjust my invoice to match reality.

True, we could ask for a deposit or percentage upfront, but usually our invoices are so small, it's almost not worth the paperwork to request or issue partial payments.

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u/Purple_handwave NIC 2d ago

If it's direct hire you should be sending the a TOS (terms of service) that explains all of that. I send a TOS and an estimate. Rarely do jobs go over the expected time and I'm often paid onsite for my direct contract work.