One of the biggest questions freelancers ask is: What's the best way to deal with clients who pay late?
We’ve conducted original research with 303 active freelancers and cross-referenced and combined with trusted public stats and policy updates to provide the key data on today's freelancer market.
“How many late payments/chargebacks in last 12 months?”
Two-thirds said none, but about 1 in 3 reported at least one late payment in the past year. The next most common answers were 1-2 and 3-5. [1]
“How fast do you usually get paid?”
Payment speed is mixed. Instant is the single most common answer, but plenty still wait 15-30 days or 1-3 days. Longer waits like 31-60 days also show up. [1]
“Do you take deposits/prepayment?”
Over half rarely or never take deposits, which leaves them exposed when clients drag their feet. Taking some money upfront can reduce the risk of chasing overdue invoices. [1]
“How do you take payments/invoices?”
Approaches vary — from online checkout to spreadsheets/PDF documents and other methods. Moving to clear, simple invoicing and card or bank payments can help you get paid faster. [1]
What’s changed recently in the rules?
Public procurement 30-day rule: Since February 2025, public sector contracts must include 30-day payment terms, and this cascades down the supply chain. [2]
Fair Payment Code (FPC): The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC)’s Fair Payment Code replaced the Prompt Payment Code in late 2024. It uses Gold/Silver/Bronze awards to recognise businesses that pay faster, with Gold for paying 95% of all invoices within 30 days. It’s voluntary, but it’s a clear signal to pay on time. [3]
Government consultation (July 2025): Proposals include stronger enforcement powers for the Small Business Commissioner and improvements to payment practices reporting. The aim is faster, more reliable payments for small businesses and the self-employed. [4] [5]
How big is the problem? Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) research estimates £11 billion a year in economic cost, with around 1.5 million businesses affected. [6]
What you can do now
Set clear payment terms on every quote and invoice (for example, 7–14 days) and state late-fee rules. [1]
Take a deposit for new or larger projects to reduce chasing later. [1]
Use simple payment methods your clients can pay in two clicks. [1]
Build a small buffer so a slow invoice doesn’t stop you from paying yourself. [1]
We’re here to help you make good decisions quickly. The aim is simple: get paid, on time, so you can keep going without money stress.
Insurance can help freelancers protect their business
Insurance can help when things go wrong — for example, a client says your work made them lose money (professional indemnity), or there’s an accident when you meet people face-to-face (public liability). If you’re operating as an individual rather than a company, a serious claim can put your savings and your home at risk if you’re uninsured. Insurance won’t replace good habits like deposits and buffers, but it can sit alongside them at a fair insurance premium. (Research conducted by Delorean)
Footnotes
[1]: Multiple survey questions (late payments, payment speed, deposits, invoicing methods, buffers). (Research conducted by Delorean) [2]: GOV.UK Prompt payment policy page noting 30-day terms in public procurement supply chains (from Feb 2025). [3]: Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) — Fair Payment Code replaces the Prompt Payment Code (2024–2025). [4]: GOV.UK consultation: Tackling poor payment practices (30 July 2025). [5]: GOV.UK guidance on reporting payment practices and performance (statutory duty). [6]: Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) Late payments research (July 2025).
Appendix
How many late payments/chargebacks in last 12 months?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
None — 67.0%
1–2 — 19.5%
3–5 — 8.6%
6+ — 5.0%
How fast do you usually get paid?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Instant — 27.1%
15–30 days — 21.8%
1–3 days — 21.1%
Within 7 days — 15.5%
31–60 days — 13.5%
8–14 days — 12.2%
Weekly — 11.6%
90+ days — 1.3%
61–90 days — 0.3%
Do you take deposits/prepayment?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Rarely/Never — 56.1%
Sometimes — 21.5%
Always — 16.2%
Often — 6.3%
How do you primarily take payments/invoices?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Other — 28.1%
Online checkout — 19.8%
Spreadsheet/PDF documents — 18.8%
Bank transfer request — 17.5%
Accounting software invoice — 12.9%
Card reader — 10.9%
How do you smooth out money ups and downs?
Base N: 303 (Research conducted by Delorean)
Savings buffer — 53.8%
Take money upfront — 20.5%
Monthly plans — 15.8%
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) / credit card — 11.9%
Short payment terms — 11.6%
Late-fee rules — 7.3%
Invoice finance — 5.3%
Other — 9.6%