When it comes to running a successful business, maintaining positive cash flow is just as critical as providing excellent service. A big part of ensuring that cash flow is uninterrupted involves requesting payment from clients in a timely and professional manner. This process requires tact, persistence, and a clear plan of action.

We explore the foundations of requesting payment professionally, how to establish expectations early, and the most effective ways to follow up when an invoice goes unpaid. These methods will help business owners protect their revenue without compromising relationships with their clients.

Setting Clear Expectations from the Start

The first step toward smooth payment processes is proactive communication. Before work begins, clients should be fully informed about the scope of services, costs, due dates, and payment methods. This sets the foundation for future conversations and reduces the risk of disputes.

Use Clear Contracts

Contracts should clearly define the terms of service, including project milestones, deliverables, and payment schedules. A detailed contract not only serves as a legal document but also reinforces your professionalism and commitment to transparency.

Communicate Payment Terms Upfront

When onboarding a new client, make sure they understand your payment terms. Whether your terms are net 15, net 30, or require deposits upfront, these conditions should be communicated clearly in your proposal, contract, and invoice.

Use Invoice Templates That Clarify Details

Every invoice should include essential information such as the invoice number, date of issue, payment due date, accepted payment methods, and any applicable late fees. Avoid ambiguity, as confusion can lead to delays.

Confirming the Client Received the Invoice

After sending an invoice, don’t assume it was received or reviewed. Clients may overlook emails, lose attachments, or be unclear about what they owe. A quick follow-up can clear up potential miscommunications.

First Follow-Up Email

Within a day or two of sending the invoice, send a brief, friendly email confirming receipt. This message should reiterate the invoice number and the due date. If there’s no response, continue with a formal payment reminder once the payment deadline passes.

Sample Email

Subject: Invoice #1002 – Just Checking In

Hi [Client Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up to confirm that you received Invoice #1002, which was sent on [Date]. Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. The due date is [Due Date].

Thank you,

[Your Name]

Following Up with a Polite Payment Reminder

If the invoice remains unpaid after the due date, it’s time to follow up with a more direct, yet courteous, message. It’s important to remain respectful and professional. Keep the tone friendly but firm, and provide all the necessary details again to make payment easy.

Crafting the Right Message

Avoid sounding accusatory. The message should simply highlight that the invoice is overdue, and reiterate your payment options and terms. Including a copy of the original invoice ensures they have everything they need in one place.

What to Include

• Invoice number and original due date
• Number of days overdue
• Any late fees incurred
• Clear payment instructions
• Attachment of the original invoice

Example Follow-Up Email

Subject: Invoice #1002 – Payment Reminder

Hi [Client Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I’m following up on Invoice #1002, originally due on [Due Date], which now appears to be [X] days overdue. Please find the invoice attached again for your convenience. A late fee of [amount or percentage] applies as noted in the original agreement.

Payment can be made by [methods]. Please let me know if there’s any issue.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Making a Phone Call When Emails Don’t Work

If two or more email reminders haven’t prompted payment, a phone call may be necessary. This more direct approach often resolves issues more quickly and can reveal any underlying problems that were preventing the payment.

How to Prepare for the Call

Before dialing, review all communication with the client, including the invoice, email reminders, and contract. Be ready to discuss these details calmly and confidently.

During the Call

Introduce yourself clearly, then explain that you’re calling regarding the unpaid invoice. Reiterate your earlier emails and ask if there’s a reason for the delay. Try to secure a commitment—whether it’s a specific date for payment or an immediate transaction.

Sample Script

Hi [Client Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Business]. I wanted to follow up regarding Invoice #1002, which was due on [Date]. I’ve sent a couple of reminders, but I haven’t heard back. I just want to check if there’s any issue I can assist with.

If possible, I’d like to confirm when I can expect the payment. I can take a credit card or direct transfer over the phone, or we can schedule a date for payment.

When to Pause or End Services

Continuing to work for a non-paying client can put your business at financial risk. If you’ve sent multiple reminders, followed up by phone, and still haven’t been paid, it may be time to stop work.

Know Your Rights

Before pausing work, review your contract. Ensure you are within your rights to suspend services due to non-payment. Some contracts include a clause stating work may be paused if payment is not received within a certain timeframe.

Notify the Client Professionally

Your message should be firm but professional. Explain that services will be paused until the account is current. Avoid personal language or blame. Make it clear this step is procedural, not punitive.

Sample Email to Pause Work

Subject: Suspension of Services Due to Outstanding Invoice

Hi [Client Name],

I’m writing to inform you that due to the outstanding balance on Invoice #1002, I will need to pause all ongoing work effective [Date], in accordance with our agreement. Once payment is received, I’ll be happy to resume services.

I appreciate your understanding and am available to discuss this further if needed.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Preparing for Escalation: Collections and Legal Options

If all previous efforts have failed, you may need to escalate your response. While these steps can feel extreme, they are sometimes necessary to protect your business.

Using a Collection Agency

Collection agencies are specialists in recovering unpaid debts. Before engaging one, be sure you’ve exhausted all other options. Research agencies that are highly rated and adhere to ethical practices. Understand that the agency may take a percentage of the recovered amount.

Pursuing Legal Action

If the amount owed is significant, you may consider small claims court or a civil lawsuit. Ensure your contract and all communications are well documented. Many small businesses find small claims court to be a more affordable option when dealing with moderate debts.

Maintaining Professionalism Throughout the Process

Throughout all of these steps, maintaining your professionalism is vital. Even if you are frustrated, resist the urge to be aggressive or emotional. Remaining respectful helps preserve your reputation and increases the likelihood of payment.

Keep Emotions Out of It

Late payments can be frustrating, especially when they impact your business operations. However, professionalism and courtesy can go a long way. Keep your language neutral, polite, and fact-based.

Document Everything

Maintain a record of all communications, including emails, phone calls, and payment confirmations. This not only helps in case of a legal dispute but also provides a clear timeline of your efforts.

Crafting Effective Payment Request Emails That Get Results

Communicating about unpaid invoices is never the most enjoyable part of running a business, but it’s a necessary one. We covered the foundation of professional payment requests and how to manage the process from start to escalation. We’ll explore how to write compelling, polite, and effective emails that help you secure timely payments without straining your relationship with clients.

Every email should be thoughtfully crafted to reflect professionalism, clarity, and courtesy. The tone you use and the information you include can significantly impact how your client perceives your request and how quickly they respond.

The Anatomy of a Good Payment Request Email

Before diving into the templates, it’s important to understand the core elements that make up a well-structured payment request email.

Clear Subject Line

The subject line should clearly indicate the purpose of your email. Include the word invoice and the invoice number so clients can easily reference it.

Personalized Greeting

Use the recipient’s name whenever possible. Personalization adds a professional and respectful touch.

Brief and Polite Message Body

Keep your message concise and respectful. State the purpose of your email, reference the invoice, mention the due date, and offer payment options. Avoid unnecessary details that could distract from the main message.

Payment Details

Make it easy for the client to pay by listing available payment methods. Attach the invoice again for convenience.

Friendly Sign-Off

Close the email on a polite and cooperative note. Express willingness to assist if there are any issues.

Email Templates for Different Stages of the Payment Process

Each stage of the payment process requires a different tone and message. Here, we offer email templates for each key moment, from the first reminder to final notices.

1. Initial Invoice Submission

Send this email immediately after completing the work or reaching a project milestone, depending on your agreement.

Subject: Invoice #20345 from [Your Business Name]

Hi [Client’s Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you. Attached is Invoice #20345 for the completed work on [Project Name]. The total amount due is [Amount], and the due date is [Due Date].

Payment can be made via [Payment Methods]. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further documentation.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Business Contact Info]

2. First Payment Reminder (Day After Due Date)

Subject: Friendly Reminder – Invoice #20345 Due

Hi [Client’s Name],

I hope you’re well. This is just a quick reminder that Invoice #20345, issued on [Date], was due on [Due Date] and appears to be one day overdue.

I’ve reattached the invoice for your convenience. Payment can be made via [Payment Methods]. If you’ve already sent payment, please disregard this message.

Thanks again, and please let me know if there’s anything you need from me.

All the best,
[Your Name]

3. Second Reminder (One Week Late)

Subject: Second Reminder – Invoice #20345 Now Overdue

Hi [Client’s Name],

I’m following up on Invoice #20345, which was due on [Due Date] and is now [X] days overdue. As noted in our agreement, a late fee of [Rate or Amount] may apply for overdue balances.

You’ll find the original invoice attached. Please confirm when I can expect payment or let me know if there are any issues.

Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

4. Third Reminder (Two Weeks Late)

Subject: Third Reminder – Payment Request for Invoice #20345

Hi [Client’s Name],

I hope everything is okay on your end. I wanted to reach out again regarding the unpaid Invoice #20345, which is now two weeks past due. Timely payments help me continue to deliver high-quality work and maintain operations.

Please let me know if there’s any difficulty in processing the payment or if something has come up. If the invoice has already been paid, just send over a confirmation and I’ll update my records.

You can find the invoice attached for reference. Thanks again.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

5. Final Reminder Before Taking Action (One Month Late)

Subject: Final Notice – Invoice #20345 Overdue by One Month

Hi [Client’s Name],

Despite multiple reminders, I haven’t yet received payment for Invoice #20345, originally due on [Due Date]. It’s now been one month overdue.

Unless payment is received by [Final Deadline], I may need to pause ongoing services and consider next steps to recover the outstanding amount. I hope to resolve this without further action and appreciate your prompt response.

Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this.

Best,
[Your Name]

Tone Matters: Staying Professional Yet Firm

The tone you adopt in these emails plays a big role in determining the outcome. Here are some tone guidelines to help you stay on the right side of professional communication.

Be Friendly But Direct

You want to remind your client they owe you money, but not in a way that feels aggressive or hostile. A calm and respectful tone communicates that you’re a professional who deserves to be paid.

Use Simple, Clear Language

Avoid overly formal or technical jargon. Use straightforward language that clearly communicates the status of the invoice and what you expect next.

Don’t Apologize for Following Up

It’s common to feel uncomfortable about chasing payments, but remember you are entitled to the money you’ve earned. Avoid unnecessary apologies. Be courteous, not self-effacing.

Customizing Emails Based on Client Type

Not all clients are the same. Some are prompt and communicative, while others may need multiple reminders. Adjust your communication style to suit the relationship.

For Long-Term Clients

If you’ve had a good relationship and this is the first late payment, take a more empathetic tone. Emphasize your long-standing relationship and express confidence that the delay is an oversight.

For First-Time Clients

Be more structured and formal to establish boundaries early. Ensure they understand the importance of adhering to agreed-upon payment timelines.

For Repeat Offenders

If a client has a history of paying late, your tone should be firmer. Reiterate your terms and consider including a notice about halting work until the account is settled.

When Email Isn’t Enough

If repeated emails don’t produce results, it’s time to pick up the phone. Direct conversation can break through communication barriers and clarify intentions. Speaking to the client allows you to gauge their tone, understand any issues they may be facing, and come to a more immediate resolution. Be polite but firm, and stick to the facts—reference the invoice number, due date, and previous communications.

Clearly state what you need from them and ask for a concrete timeline for payment. After the call, always follow up with a written summary by email for documentation. This ensures there’s a clear record of the conversation and helps protect your interests if the matter needs to be escalated later. It also reinforces your professionalism and keeps communication transparent, leaving less room for misunderstandings.

Automating Follow-Ups Without Losing the Personal Touch

Email automation tools can help ensure reminders are sent on time, but it’s important to personalize templates to avoid sounding robotic. Customize subject lines and greetings, and tweak your message to reflect previous interactions.

Logging All Communication

Maintain a log of all payment-related communication. This documentation will support your case should you need to escalate the matter. Include the date and time of each email, phone call, and note any client responses.

Importance of Prevention in Payment Management

While chasing down payments is sometimes unavoidable, the best way to deal with overdue invoices is to prevent them in the first place. By establishing strong systems, policies, and client relationships, you can reduce the frequency of delayed payments and focus more energy on your core business.

This begins with clear contracts, transparent communication about payment terms, and automated invoicing tools that ensure timely delivery of invoices. Building rapport and trust with clients also plays a key role—when clients respect your professionalism and value your work, they’re more likely to pay promptly. Regularly reviewing your billing process and refining your approach based on past experiences will help create a smoother, more reliable cash flow.

Building a Payment Policy That Works

Your business should have a clearly defined payment policy that is shared with every client. A strong payment policy should include due dates, accepted payment methods, details on late fees or interest, and your right to suspend work for non-payment. Presenting this policy during client onboarding sets expectations and limits potential disputes.

Additionally, the policy should outline any upfront payment requirements, such as deposits or milestone-based billing. It’s also helpful to specify how disputes will be handled and provide a clear point of contact for billing inquiries. Reinforce the importance of timely payment by integrating the policy into contracts and reiterating it during early communications. Make sure the client acknowledges and agrees to the terms in writing before starting any work.

Regularly reviewing and updating your payment policy ensures it reflects your current business needs and industry standards. A well-communicated and consistently enforced payment policy builds credibility, reduces confusion, and fosters healthier financial relationships with clients.

Encouraging Prompt Payment Through Incentives

Consider offering small discounts for early payments or for clients who consistently pay on time. For example, a 2% discount for invoices paid within 10 days of issuance can motivate quicker responses. This not only encourages prompt payment but also builds goodwill with clients who appreciate being rewarded for their reliability. Early payment incentives can be especially effective for long-term clients, helping to strengthen relationships while improving your cash flow.

Be transparent about these discounts from the beginning, including them in your payment policy and listing them clearly on your invoices. Automated invoicing tools can help calculate and display the discounted total, reducing confusion and saving time.

Conversely, apply late fees consistently when payments are overdue, reinforcing the importance of timeliness. This can be a flat fee or a percentage of the invoice amount, accruing monthly until payment is made. Late fees not only compensate for the inconvenience of delayed cash flow but also serve as a deterrent against future delays. Clearly outline your late fee structure in your agreements, and don’t hesitate to enforce it when necessary. When clients understand that both early payments and delays have financial consequences, they are more likely to prioritize your invoices.

Using Contracts to Minimize Disputes

Written contracts are not just for large-scale projects—they are essential for every business transaction, no matter the size. Even for smaller jobs or ongoing work with repeat clients, having a signed agreement helps ensure that both parties understand their responsibilities and expectations from the outset. Your contract should clearly state the project timeline, specific deliverables, total cost, payment schedule, late payment penalties, and consequences for non-payment, such as the right to suspend services or pursue legal action.

In addition to offering legal protection, a well-drafted contract promotes mutual accountability and fosters a more professional working relationship. It minimizes the risk of misunderstandings and provides a solid reference point should any disagreements arise. Including clauses for dispute resolution, acceptable payment methods, and refund policies can further safeguard your interests. Having everything in writing protects your business and reassures your client that your operations are structured, fair, and reliable. Always ensure that both parties sign and retain a copy.

Leveraging Deposits and Milestone Payments

One effective strategy to protect cash flow and establish commitment is to require an upfront deposit before beginning any work. This deposit, often ranging from 25% to 50% of the total project cost, serves as a financial assurance that the client is serious about proceeding. It also helps cover any initial expenses or time investment required to kick off the project, such as planning, research, or material acquisition. Clients who are hesitant to pay a deposit may indicate a higher risk of delayed or missed payments later on.

For larger or longer-term projects, consider structuring payments in installments based on clearly defined milestones. These milestones should correspond to significant stages of the project—such as the completion of a draft, delivery of specific components, or final review. This approach spreads financial risk over the course of the project and provides predictable income at various intervals. It also gives the client confidence that they’re only paying for work that has been completed to a certain standard.

Clearly document the deposit and milestone payment terms in your contract, including the amounts, due dates, and what constitutes completion of each milestone. This structured payment plan promotes transparency, protects your cash flow, and strengthens the professional relationship.

Sending Invoices That Encourage Action

A clear and well-designed invoice speeds up the payment process. Make sure each invoice includes:

• A unique invoice number
• Issue date and due date
• Itemized list of products or services
• Total amount due
• Payment options and instructions
• Contact information

Keep the format professional and easy to read. Consider using digital invoicing platforms that notify you when the invoice is opened or viewed by the client.

Automating Follow-Ups and Reminders

Automation can reduce the emotional burden and time commitment involved in following up on unpaid invoices. Scheduling tools or invoicing software can automatically send reminders at strategic intervals—such as a few days before the due date, on the due date, and at regular intervals afterward if the invoice remains unpaid.

These automated messages help maintain consistency and ensure no follow-up is forgotten, especially when juggling multiple clients or projects. Moreover, they remove the discomfort of manually reminding clients, allowing you to maintain a professional distance. Automated reminders, when written with a polite and friendly tone, can gently prompt action without straining the relationship.

Establishing a Strong Client Vetting Process

Not every client is a good fit for your business, and taking a few proactive steps before entering into an agreement can help prevent future payment problems. When dealing with new clients—especially for high-value projects—consider conducting a brief background or credit check. This might include searching for any legal disputes, financial red flags, or negative online reviews that suggest a pattern of delayed or non-payment.

Don’t hesitate to ask for professional references, especially if the client is unfamiliar or the scope of work is significant. Reach out to previous service providers to ask about their experience with the client, particularly regarding payment timeliness and communication. This kind of vetting might seem time-consuming, but it can be invaluable in identifying potential red flags. By being selective and cautious during the client onboarding process, you not only protect your business but also set the stage for long-term, mutually respectful relationships built on trust and reliability.

Educating Clients About Your Processes

Sometimes clients delay payment not out of malice or neglect, but simply because they don’t fully understand your process or expectations. Misunderstandings about due dates, accepted payment methods, or invoicing frequency can easily lead to delayed payments. This is why thorough onboarding is essential.

During the onboarding process, take the time to walk new clients through how your billing cycle works. Explain when they can expect to receive invoices—whether it’s at project milestones, at the end of the month, or upon delivery of services. Clarify how those invoices should be paid, including accepted payment methods, account details, and any digital payment platforms you support.

Providing a simple, well-designed onboarding document or FAQ that outlines your billing procedures can eliminate confusion and serve as a helpful reference for clients throughout the engagement. This document might include sections such as “When Will I Be Billed?”, “How Do I Make a Payment?”, and “What Happens If I Miss a Due Date?”. Making this information easily accessible builds trust, positions you as an organized professional, and helps clients comply with your process without repeated back-and-forth communication.

By proactively educating clients, you can dramatically reduce avoidable delays and keep your cash flow steady. Even if your billing process seems straightforward to you, remember that clients may be juggling multiple vendors and deadlines. A little clarity upfront goes a long way in preventing misunderstandings and promoting prompt, predictable payments.

Creating a Culture of Communication

Maintaining open and consistent communication with your clients can make a significant difference when it comes to payment timelines. Regular check-ins show that you value the relationship beyond the transaction and encourage transparency. Clients who feel respected and understood are more likely to notify you in advance if they expect any difficulties in meeting payment deadlines.

This kind of proactive notice allows you to adjust your financial planning, avoid surprises, and maintain operational stability. Additionally, ongoing communication provides an opportunity to address any service concerns early, which can eliminate excuses for delayed payments and reinforce mutual accountability throughout the partnership.

Using Client Portals for Transparency

Client portals offer a centralized, accessible platform where clients can independently track progress, review payment terms, and download past invoices at their convenience. This reduces misunderstandings and minimizes delays caused by lost emails or unclear communication.

By offering a self-service option, you also cut down on administrative tasks and empower clients to stay engaged and informed. Some portals even allow for secure messaging, integrated payment options, and deadline reminders, further streamlining the billing and project management process for both parties.

Offering Flexible Payment Methods

Offering a wide range of payment options demonstrates that your business is client-focused and flexible. In today’s fast-paced environment, clients appreciate convenience, and rigid payment methods can create unnecessary delays. Accepting online transfers, credit cards, PayPal, and other digital platforms like Stripe or Apple Pay ensures that clients can pay using the method that suits them best.

For international clients, offering global payment options such as Wise or Revolut can also simplify cross-border transactions, reducing delays caused by banking incompatibilities or foreign exchange concerns. Furthermore, enabling recurring billing or setting up automated payments for ongoing services can streamline processes for both parties, reducing administrative overhead.

Be sure to include clear instructions for each payment method directly on the invoice. If there are fees associated with certain payment types, communicate them transparently. Making payment as seamless as possible increases the likelihood of timely remittance and improves the client experience overall, encouraging long-term relationships.

Following Up with a Client Satisfaction Survey

Following up with a satisfaction survey after project completion and payment is not just courteous—it’s strategic. It demonstrates your commitment to service quality and continuous improvement. Use a short, easy-to-complete form that asks clients about their overall satisfaction, any challenges they encountered, and suggestions for improvement. This feedback can provide valuable insights into your processes and help you identify areas to enhance client experience.

Additionally, a well-timed survey can uncover opportunities for upselling or securing referrals. Clients who feel heard and appreciated are more likely to recommend your services to others and become repeat customers, contributing to a more stable revenue stream.

Documenting Payment Histories

Maintaining detailed records of each client’s payment behavior is a proactive step toward managing your cash flow more effectively. Tracking when payments are made, how often they are late, and how responsive clients are to follow-ups can provide valuable insights into who your most reliable customers are—and who may be putting your business at financial risk.

Use invoicing software or spreadsheets to log every payment interaction, including the date invoices are sent, when reminders are issued, and when payments are received. Categorize clients by payment reliability and note any patterns that emerge over time. For example, if a client consistently pays 15 days after the due date, regardless of the payment terms, that behavior should be flagged for future projects.

This data empowers you to tailor your terms to fit the client’s history. For repeat late-payers, you might adjust your approach by shortening payment deadlines, requiring upfront deposits, or even insisting on full payment before beginning any new work. These customized terms help mitigate financial risk and send a clear message that timely payment is expected and enforced.

On the other hand, clients with excellent payment histories might be offered perks such as flexible deadlines or loyalty discounts. By adapting your terms based on real client behavior rather than assumptions, you not only protect your business but also strengthen relationships with clients who consistently honor their financial commitments. In the long run, this system of tracking and adapting can become a powerful part of your client management strategy, improving both your cash flow and your peace of mind.

Knowing When to Say No

Sometimes, turning down a client is not just a wise financial move but a necessary step in protecting your business’s integrity and sustainability. If a potential client exhibits behavior that signals unreliability—such as refusing to sign a written agreement, objecting to basic payment terms, or hesitating to provide a deposit—those are not just red flags; they are warning signs that trouble may lie ahead.

Chasing payments can drain your time, energy, and resources—far more than you would lose by walking away from a questionable opportunity upfront. A difficult client who delays payment or challenges contract terms could also disrupt project timelines and damage your professional reputation.

Instead of taking on every opportunity, focus on clients who respect your processes and value your work. Learning to say no is part of establishing boundaries that support long-term growth. It allows you to allocate time to clients who are more aligned with your business values and who contribute positively to your cash flow.

Conclusion

Managing client payments is one of the most essential yet challenging responsibilities for small business owners and freelancers. Throughout this series, we’ve explored the process of asking for payment with professionalism, persistence, and purpose—from the initial groundwork to escalated recovery efforts.

We emphasized the importance of laying a strong foundation by setting clear expectations through contracts and communication. Ensuring clients understand your payment terms upfront can prevent many issues down the line. We also discussed how to confirm invoice receipt and how to follow up politely yet firmly when payments are delayed.

We turned our attention to the power of written communication. Carefully crafted email templates for various stages of payment reminders can make a big difference. Whether it’s a gentle nudge or a final notice, the tone, clarity, and professionalism of your message help maintain your business’s credibility while encouraging prompt payment. We also reviewed tips for customizing your emails to suit the situation and maintaining control of the narrative without sounding confrontational.

Finally, we looked at what to do when emails and calls fail to resolve the issue. Knowing when to escalate—from suspending services to hiring a collection agency or taking legal action—is crucial. While these decisions are never easy, they are sometimes necessary to protect your livelihood and maintain sustainable operations. We also covered preventive strategies like late fees, payment schedules, and legal contracts that can deter delayed payments from the outset.

One key theme remains constant: professionalism. Whether you’re onboarding new clients, sending invoices, making follow-ups, or enforcing consequences, how you conduct yourself leaves a lasting impression. Staying respectful and composed not only strengthens client relationships but also increases your chances of being paid fully and on time.

By putting these strategies into practice, you’ll be better equipped to manage overdue invoices, reduce payment disputes, and build a financially healthy business. Requesting payment doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or adversarial—it can be part of a seamless, respectful workflow that benefits both you and your clients.