Lesson 1Terms before work
Doing great work means nothing if getting paid becomes a struggle. These habits prevent most common payment problems before they happen.
- Always agree payment terms in writing before starting. “50% upfront (GHS X via Mobile Money), remaining 50% on completion” sets clear expectations and protects both sides. Asking for a deposit is normal and professional.
- Mobile Money is your friend — fast, widely accessible, and it creates a record on both sides, which makes disputes far easier to resolve than cash.
- Tie delivery to payment: “final files sent upon receipt of remaining balance” is a completely standard practice.
- If a client goes quiet, follow up politely and directly: “Hi [name], just following up on the remaining balance of GHS X for [project] — let me know if there's anything you need from me to complete this.”
Real-life example
Nana took on a month of social media content with no upfront terms. Halfway through, the client stopped responding and most of the work was already done. On her next project she required 50% upfront via Mobile Money — so when another client was slow to pay, she'd already been paid for half the work.