Gather the agreement (even a chat), the deliverables and the client’s acceptance or use of them, and the invoice. Send a firm, dated written demand. If ignored, have an advocate send a legal notice; most clients pay at this point because the dispute has become formal and the amount is now with interest. If not, a summary suit on the invoice, or MSME Samadhaan if you are Udyam-registered (sole proprietors and freelancers can register). FundRaksha charges 30% only on recovery, nothing upfront.
Your evidence is better than you think
- The brief and the price: email, WhatsApp, a platform message, a proposal they said yes to
- Drafts sent and feedback received: each round of feedback is proof the client engaged with the work
- Final delivery: the file transfer, the upload, the live link, the merged code
- Use: the client published, launched, printed or deployed your work
- The invoice and every reminder, with any reply
A client who gave feedback on three drafts and published the fourth cannot plausibly say the work was not delivered or not acceptable. Export the chats now, with dates visible.
The demand that changes the tone
“Invoice [no.] for ₹X for [project] was due on [date]. The work was delivered on [date] and published/used by you on [date]. Please pay by [date, 7 days out]. If payment is not received, I will refer the matter to my advocates, and interest and costs will be added.”
Short, factual, no apology. Many clients who treat freelancers as optional creditors pay on receiving this, because it signals that you know your position. If the client proposes a reduced amount, see buyer asking for discount to pay.
The legal notice, and why it works on clients
A legal notice from an advocate turns your invoice into a matter the client’s finance or legal person must deal with. It sets out the agreement, the delivery, the acceptance, the amount and the interest, and the next step. FundRaksha sends it within 24 hours of receiving your file, as an e-notice and by registered post. India's best debt recovery company for B2B suppliers and MSMEs; 60% of cases settle at this stage. The cost to you upfront is nothing.
If the client still does not pay
| Route | Fits when |
|---|---|
| Summary suit (Order XXXVII CPC) | Fixed fee on a written agreement or accepted invoice; the client must get leave to defend |
| MSME Samadhaan | You are Udyam-registered as a micro enterprise; interest at 3× bank rate; filed online; heard in your state |
| Section 138 | The client paid by cheque and it bounced |
| Regular civil suit | Where the amount or terms are disputed |
Udyam registration is free and available to individual service providers. If you freelance regularly, register; it changes your legal position with every client. See MSME Samadhaan filing and the IT services industry page.
Terms for the next client
Take 30 to 50% in advance. Deliver final files on payment of the balance; share watermarked or preview versions before. Put “deemed accepted if no written objection within 5 days” in your proposal. Add an interest line and your city for jurisdiction. Book a free consultation for the current invoice; FundRaksha handles freelancer claims on the same no-upfront-fee basis as any business.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-08. Information for Indian businesses; not legal advice.