>I require new clients to give a retainer, then I invoice against that. From then on, I invoice every two weeks. If payment is ever more than a week late, I stop all work. At 30 days, I file suit. This information is written into the contract that the client signs. I explain the payment terms with the client before they sign the contract. I also have copyright information in the contract. They don't get ownership or source code until the end of the contract and payment has been made in full. This gives me extra leverage through copyright laws.
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Craig;

This is something I also require and it allows both parties to be aware of what is expected and when.
The most difficult part of being a consultant is following good business practices.

Tom