“We’re not paying invoices due to the pandemic” – How to Handle These

A thread that is not to be missed on Twitter on this topic, started by the ever thoughtful Patrick McKenzie:

I saw a freelancer post that a client sent them a "We're not paying invoices due to [the economic environment]" notice. I won't link to it due to my no shaming policy.

The responses from freelancers to this are fairly predictable. I have some slightly different ones:
— Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) April 7, 2020

The right response to this is probably "I have received your letter. The invoice is good. I demand payment by the date on the invoice, under the terms of our contract."

Most people sending that demand *will likely be paid.*
— Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) April 7, 2020

Many freelancers are extremely offended by slow rolling. As a former consultant, I get it, but you can't afford to think like an employee when you're running a business. You should do what all the "real" businesses did when they got that letter; treat it as a nullity and move on.
— Patrick McKenzie (@patio11) April 7, 2020

You’ll have to click through to read the thread in its entirely, including additional suggestions on how to address more complicated situations.