How to get your invoices paid faster

Waiting for payments slows down your business. While you're chasing invoices, you could be landing new clients or working on projects you actually enjoy.

Getting paid faster isn't about being pushy. It's about making the payment process smooth for everyone involved. Here's how to do it.

We'll cover:

• Make payment easy for your clients
• Send invoices immediately
• Set shorter payment terms
• Include all the right details
• Follow up at the right time
• Offer payment incentives
• Build relationships, not just transactions
• Use the right tools

Make payment easy for your clients

The biggest barrier to fast payment? Making it complicated for clients to pay you.

If your invoice says "bank transfer only" and lists a long account number, you're adding friction. If clients need to log into their banking app, find the right section, and type in your details manually, some will put it off.

Instead, offer multiple payment options:

• Easy bank payments (no sort code or account number)
• Card payments
• Digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay

The easier you make it, the faster you'll get paid. Most clients want to pay quickly when the process is simple.

Send invoices immediately

Don't wait until the end of the week or month to send invoices. Send them as soon as the work is complete.

This does two things. First, the work is fresh in your client's mind, so there's less chance of disputes. Second, your payment period starts immediately rather than being delayed by your admin schedule.

For ongoing projects, consider invoicing in stages rather than waiting until everything is finished. Getting paid for completed milestones improves your cash flow and reduces the risk of large unpaid amounts.

Set shorter payment terms

Most businesses default to 30-day payment terms, but there's no rule saying you have to. Try 14 days or even 7 days for smaller amounts.

Shorter terms create urgency and often result in faster payment. Many clients will pay within a few days regardless of whether your terms say 7 days or 30 days.

For new clients, consider asking for payment on completion or even upfront for smaller jobs. Once you've built trust, you can extend terms if needed.

Include all the right details

Incomplete invoices get delayed. Make sure every invoice includes:

• Your business name and contact details
• Client's name and address
• Clear description of work completed
• Invoice number and date
• Payment due date
• Total amount due
• Payment instructions

Missing information gives clients an excuse to delay payment while they "clarify details" with you.

Follow up at the right time

Don't wait until invoices are overdue to follow up. Send a friendly reminder a few days before the due date.

Something like "Just a heads up that invoice #123 is due on Friday. Let me know if you need anything" works well. It's helpful rather than demanding.

If payment is late, follow up within a week. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to get paid quickly.

Offer payment incentives

Early payment discounts work. Offer 2-5% off for payment within 7 days. You might think this cuts into your profit, but faster cash flow often more than makes up for the discount.

Late payment fees work too. Charge 5% for payments over 30 days late. Not all clients will pay the fee, but it encourages them to prioritize your invoice.

Build relationships, not just transactions

Clients pay people they like faster than people they don't know. Take time to build relationships with your best clients.

Regular check-ins, asking about their business, and being genuinely helpful all contribute to getting paid quickly. When clients see you as a trusted partner rather than just another supplier, payment becomes a priority.

Use the right tools

The right tools make everything easier. Look for invoicing solutions that:

• Send automatic reminders
• Accept multiple payment methods
• Track when invoices are opened
• Integrate with your accounting software
• Make it simple for clients to pay with one click

Modern payment tools can reduce your average payment time from 30 days to just a few days.

Remember, 92% of NabyPay payment requests are paid within one day. When you remove friction from the payment process, clients respond quickly.