How does billing work at Malt?
To invoice a client for a project, you first need to create a quote using the “create a quote” tab. The client must accept your quote and prepay before you can begin the work.
Once the project is complete, return to the project page and mark the project as finished. The client will then confirm the completion, which triggers the final payment.
The invoice is only generated after the project has been completed.
On freelancer side, two invoices are issued:
1. The project invoice, between you (the freelancer) and the client.
This invoice is issued by Malt in your name and on behalf of the legal entity you specified in your profile, under an invoicing mandate. This mandate is a contract giving Malt the authority to issue invoices on your behalf.
While the payment comes from the client, it is processed through Malt. Payments may appear on your account with mentions like “MGP*MALT” or “Malt by Mangopay,” since Malt uses the Mangopay payment platform.
2. The invoice for service fees, between Malt and you (the freelancer).
Malt automatically deducts service fees from the total amount you receive. You don’t need to refund anything to Malt or issue an invoice for these fees.
Invoices will include the legal details you entered in your profile, so make sure your information is complete before the project ends to ensure correct details appear on your invoices.
To download your invoices, you can either go to the specific project page and click “download invoices,” or visit the “invoices and payments” tab in your profile, where you can download a zip file containing all invoices for a selected year.
Your client’s payment terms
To find your client’s payment terms, go to:
• Your Malt inbox
• The conversation with the client concerned
The payment period depends on the type of project:
• Pre-payment project: The client must prepay the project before work begins. The funds are held securely in an escrow account until the client validates the completed project (task based project) or validates the activity report (time-based prepayment). Once the project or activity report is completed and approved by the client, you receive your payment immediately (except if your client is late paying the final balance.
Recommendation : It is advised not to start or keep working on projects that are not prepaid
• Project in cash advance: The client does not prepay, but you receive payment within 10 days after the client validates the project’s completion.
Until the client pays the invoice (which may take 60 days or more), the project status will remain as “awaiting payment” on the platform.
• Invoice delay payment: If the client is not eligible to Cash advance, Malt follows their accounting payment deadlines, which range from 30 to 60 days.