Tips for getting paid on time

Simple habits that turn invoices into payments – faster.

Late payments are rarely about bad customers – more often the invoice arrived late, wasn’t clear, or was easy to forget. These habits fix most of that.

1. Agree terms before you start

Agree the price, payment terms and any deposit before the work begins, and repeat them on every invoice. Surprises on an invoice cause delays.

2. Send the invoice straight away

Invoice as soon as the work is done or the goods are delivered, while it’s fresh for your customer. For long projects, invoice by milestone instead of waiting until the end.

3. Use a clear due date

“Due in 14 days” or a specific date works better than “due on receipt”, which nobody acts on. Short terms such as 7 or 14 days are reasonable for small jobs and new customers.

4. Ask for a deposit

For new customers or larger jobs, a deposit of 25–50% protects you and shows commitment. Record it under Amount Paid so the balance due is clear.

5. Make paying easy

Put your payment details in the Notes field – bank account, UPI ID, or a card payment link – so the customer doesn’t have to ask. Every extra step delays payment.

6. Make the invoice impossible to question

Use specific line descriptions, include the customer’s P.O. number if they use one, and show taxes correctly. An invoice that raises questions waits in a queue.

7. Follow up on a schedule

• A few days before the due date: a friendly reminder with the invoice attached.
• On the due date: a short note that payment is due today.
• 7 days late: a firmer email, and a phone call if you have a contact.
• 30 days late: pause further work and consider late fees, if your terms allow them and they are permitted where you are.

8. Keep your numbering and records tidy

Sequential invoice numbers make it easy to see what’s outstanding. BillDoodle suggests the next number when you start a new document, and keeps recent documents in History on your device.

Create your invoice now – it takes about a minute.