Four for Friday: Managing Your Non-CRM payments on your CRM
On Fridays, I give you the four best workflow and website tips of the week. And we call it Four for Friday. Welcome!
I've given up on convincing you guys to use your CRM payment processor.
It's simpler, easier to track, and takes up less time, as are the ways to cover the fees. But the siren call of quick money is hard to ignore.
I can't "beat" you, so my way of "joining" you is to show you how you can manage this better using Honeybook or whatever CRM you're using.
1. Create an invoice anyway
I see many creatives making the mistake of bypassing the invoice and only sending a contract with payment instructions. CRM invoices don't just get you paid; they track those payments. You can see what's been paid and get notified if it still needs to be. Your client gets reminders and receipts, so you don't have to remember to send them. Save yourself time and trouble and create the invoice for their project, whether you send it with the contract or not. When they make their deposit, mark it as paid on the invoice and forward it to them. Getting it in the system will also trigger payment reminders. You can use automation on the stuff you don't automate!
2. Stop treating it like a crime
Honeybook, Dubsado, 17 Hats, etc., offer payment processing as a service; it's not a mandate. This is your business, and you can run it however you want to. No one cares, just as long as you don't break the law and avoid the IRS.
3. Repetition is you and your client's mutual friend
"This is how I prefer to be paid, and this is how to pay me." You probably email this with your contract, but get it in the actual agreement and highlight it. Put it on your invoice (Honeybook Smart Files lets you edit and add text to invoices) and in the invoice reminders. Put it on your website FAQ. Tell your clients so often that they can find it easily or even repeat it to you!
4. Give your client options
How does it work if they need to pay you with a credit card? You can charge an additional fee, but get clear if that legally has to be a credit card or a service fee. How do they use Paypal to pay you? What if they want to pay you in cash? If they ask, be prepared to answer in a way that serves them but protects you.
I help wedding and creative entrepreneurs reclaim their time by automating and streamlining their businesses. What else do you need to save time and increase your profits into 2023? Let's talk - click the button below to schedule a free consultation next week.
Have a great weekend, and I'll talk to you soon,
Elizabeth
