Company: Emma Boyns Photography

Region: West Sussex

Location: Chichester

Award-winning freelance photographer, Emma Boyns, was commissioned to shoot images of food for promotional content.

A quote was provided to the client with a total estimated cost of £740.00.

Upon completion of the photoshoot, 21 images were sent to the client along with a copy of Emma’s terms and conditions, license to use and an invoice for £718.60, which stipulated 30 day payment terms.

Within the terms and conditions, it stated that the license to use would be effective from the date payment was received for the relevant invoice, and use of the photography was not permitted until payment was received in full. The terms and conditions also stated that payment for the commissioned work should be paid within 30 days, and if the invoice was not paid in full, the photographer reserved the right to charge interest in accordance to the Late Payment of Commercial Debt (Interest) Act 1998.

Emma chased the client 3 days after payment was due, and also issued a revised invoice that included late payment interest and compensation 25 days later. The revised invoice amount totalled £762.45.

In February 2021, Emma contacted the Office of the Small Business Commissioner with her complaint.

A Caseworker from the team contacted the client on behalf of Emma and payment was made within the following 3 days.

Emma Boyns, Photographer said: “I got in touch with the service after having no success chasing an overdue invoice on my own. It was my first time having to use this avenue and Jodie was very helpful in explaining the process. Correspondence was prompt and clear, and Jodie sent an informal email to my client on my behalf as a first step, two days after which the invoice was paid”.

 

The Small Business Commissioner has made recommendations to the photographer that terms and conditions should be provided with any quotes and/or at the start of any negotiations so all parties are clear about what to expect.