Difficult client wants InDesign files before paying the final invoice
Hey guys, looking for a bit of a sanity check here.
I’ve been working with a client (friend of a friend) for about 6 months on a small identity project (business cards, some brochures, etc.). It’s been a nightmare. They take weeks/months to send basic info (like a phone number), and the project has stalled multiple times because they didn't provide copy or photos. We’ve had good relations and trust before the project started hence I required no deposit (I normally do).
I finally reached my limit and "sacked" them. I sent over the final print-ready PDFs for the business cards and a final invoice that includes the card fee + some work in progress time for the brochures they never finished. I also sent over the working files for the unfinished brochure/postcards just to be a "good guy" and let them move on.
The invoice is only 5 days old (14-day terms), but now their assistant is emailing me asking for the InDesign source files for the business cards.
I never promised source files in my original estimate (just PDFs), and the invoice hasn't been paid yet. I feel like if I send the .indd files now, I lose my only leverage to actually get paid for the last 6 months of chasing. But I also don't want to look like I'm being "difficult" or "childish" since the invoice isn't technically late yet.
What’s the professional move here? Do I send the master files and hope they’re honest, or do I hold them until they pay? Do I tell them I want them to pay before I send the source files?