Late payments, ghosted invoices, and clients who disappear after the work is done—sound familiar? Jo and Zoe aren’t holding back in this episode as they share the harsh realities of working with difficult clients, including the jaw-dropping story of one who needed a restraining order.

This conversation is packed with hard-won lessons and real-life experiences, as well as practical strategies to help you protect your business. You’ll hear how to spot red flags early, set watertight payment terms, build stronger onboarding systems, and draw professional boundaries that actually get respected.

If you’ve ever chased an invoice or questioned a client’s intentions, this episode will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take control.

What Listeners Will Learn:

● Why being paid upfront (or in instalments) is essential

● How to structure client contracts to prevent payment issues

● The importance of vetting clients and understanding red flags

● How Jo dealt with the worst client situation of her career

● How visibility, branding, and confidence reduce risk

● What to do if a client refuses to pay (including chasing debts legally)

● Why clear boundaries and professional communication are vital

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About us

We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective

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About our Sponsor

This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper

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Promotion

This video contains paid promotion.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.