The gig-to-gig nature of freelance life can be hard on bank accounts. Drastic fluctuations in income makes budgeting nearly impossible. But you know what makes this balancing act even harder? Clients who don’t pay. It’s almost beyond belief that something as simple as getting paid could be such a pervasive issue. Unfortunately, that’s the reality.

So how do we make sure that no gigs go unpaid? Of course there are legal means for receiving payment, but it’s much better to ensure from the beginning that you’ll be compensated for your efforts.

Here’s how to make sure that your client pays those bills.