We know how exciting it is when you land that sale, job or contract, you’re on a high, feel like giving yourself a high five - and why not, you deserve it! But, if that customer does not pay on time, or even worse, not at all, then the good times can quickly turn sour.

What you can do!

1. Send your invoices ASAP

I mean it goes without saying, but if you delay your customers by sending invoices late, can you really expect them to do things for you on time? Keep your customers happy and send your invoices ASAP! This shows your commitment to making the sale, and who knows, they may just want to return the favour and pay you chop-chop. It also means they will receive it when your work or products are still fresh in their mind. Using accounting software, like stub, that lets you create professional and slick invoices can make sending invoices so easy! 😉

2. Set clear payment terms

You’re selling the thing, so it’s only fair that you get to set the rules to make sure you get paid for the thing. Payment terms outline how and when your customers will pay you.

Here are a few payment term examples you can use:

1. Ask for an upfront deposit or payment before you start or send out any work. You can also offer an incentive, maybe a discount if they pay you early.
2. Set shorter due dates - maybe give customers a week or two weeks to pay you versus a full 30 days. The less time they have to pay, the less time they have to forget and make excuses 🙂
3. Make sure you spell it out for them. Make it clear how you expect to be paid and by when, super politely of course. This way you protect yourself and your customers understand what is expected of them.

If you're serious about the work you do and are hustling to meet your customers' deadlines and orders, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t be paid on time. Remember you are the boss 💪

3. Give your customers a few ways to pay you

People love to be spoilt for choice, so why not give your customers multiple ways to pay you? The idea is to make it as convenient as possible for your customers to pay you so they have no reason not to. So let your customers pay the way they want to, and increase your chances of being paid on time, and maybe, just maybe, you won’t have to do step 4 😬

If you’re part of the stub family, your customers will be able to pay your stub invoices via EFT or pay you online using their debit card, credit card or SnapScan. Want to know more about why you should be using online payments?

4. Don’t be afraid to chase payments

As uncomfortable as it can be, there will come a time when you may have to reach out to your customers to remind them to pay. Something important to remember, your customers are human, just like you, so they too can get busy and have a forgetful moment, which means you don't have to feel bad to send them a reminder to pay you. Who knows they may even appreciate it.

In saying that, waiting until an invoice is two or more weeks late before reminding them that they owe you is not ideal. Try sending a friendly email as the due date approaches and again if they go past the due date by a few days. If your customers don’t respond to your emails, pick up the phone (something I know the GenZ generation struggles with 😜), and don't just let it go. It may not be what you want to do but it could help you stay in business.