[a-priori]

Yes, dunning sucks. I did two projects for one client and they paid within a week both times. I liked them for that. Most other clients, including the regular one I mentioned before, varied between 4 weeks and 8 weeks.

There's a fine line to toe when it comes to following up on late invoices. You can't let them slide, otherwise you're throwing away money. On the other hand, you can't nag them otherwise you'll seem desperate for money. As a freelancer, you must never, ever give the impression that you're having cash flow problems. Otherwise, whether it's true or not, your credibility goes out the window.

I made the mistake of seeming desperate for payment on one of my last projects when I actually was short on money. There was a minor hiccup in their accounts payable process, and I overreacted. Realizing what I had done was one trigger that told me it was time to pack it in.