How to Chase an Unpaid Invoice as a Graphic Designer

Why graphic designers get paid late

• The client sits on final approval, so you cannot "deliver".
• Agency clients pay you only once their own client has paid them.

How to get paid: advice for graphic designers

• Send final, editable source files only on payment; share flattened previews until then.
• Make copyright transfer on full payment — until then the client only has a licence.
• If an agency says it is waiting to be paid, remind them your contract is with them, not their client.

A chasing timeline that works

1. 3 days before due: a friendly heads-up.
2. 1 day overdue: a polite reminder.
3. 7–14 days overdue: a firm reminder and a phone call.
4. 30 days overdue: a final notice with a deadline.
5. Still unpaid: a letter before action, then a small claim if needed.

Your legal options

Your clients are businesses, so the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 applies to every late invoice: you can add statutory interest (8% + base rate) and £40–£100 fixed compensation per invoice, even if your contract doesn't mention it. Calculate what you can claim.