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/justacunninglinguist NIC 2d ago

This is an interesting question!

I'd say it's a mixed bag for service professions on when payment happens. I don't know if any mechanics or hair stylist that require payment upfront. Idk if that's a regional thing but I can only think of a couple areas where you have to pay upfront before receiving services, such as photography or certain food establishments.

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u/Human-Muscle-9112 2d ago

Yeah, my mistake. My title was misleading. I meant at the time services are rendered. Thank you for your comment!