I have had a mixed experience over the years getting paid. Almost got stiffed once, until I made a less-than-fun collection call. I have had some problems with slow payments, and payments arriving weeks after promised. I took a cue from Duane and started sending out agreements, in which I lay out all the fees, mandatory, and optional, along with an estimate for the job at hand. I offer a PayPal option. PayPal takes a piece, but I find it worthwhile in terms of receiving payment expeditiously. I ask a deposit of at least $250.00 to start work. I accept the RD's word that this deposit has been sent if we need to measure right away. I charge a late fee of $100 for less than 3 weeks and $250 for any request within 2 weeks of the race. I have charged many $100 late fees this year. I require a signed agreement back from every client, no exceptions. I started this procedure when an IAAF "B" measurer friend got stiffed last year. I promise to deliver the final product upon receipt of final payment. I send a separate invoice if they require it. Of course, I make exceptions to receiving payment in advance as a judgement call. This is not a perfect system, but it is definitely resulting in more timely payments.