Waiting for payments is a reality for most tradespeople and small business owners. When payments are delayed, it affects both cash flow and planning. But there are ways to speed things up – without damaging your customer relationships.
Start by being clear from the beginning. Discuss price, payment terms, and timeline at the first contact. Include it in the quote. The customer should know exactly what's expected. This reduces misunderstandings and late payments.
Next, don’t delay the invoice. Send it as soon as the job is done – not a week later. The longer you wait, the longer they wait to pay. Use a tool that lets you invoice from your phone right after completing the work.
Make it easy to pay. Offer options like Swish, QR code, or card payment. The less friction, the faster the payment. Also, clearly display all payment details in both text and visual format.
Follow up quickly. Don’t wait three weeks to send a reminder. A polite follow-up after a few days is often enough. It shows you’re on top of things without being rude.
Finally, reward fast payers. A small discount for regular customers who always pay on time can go a long way. It costs you less than chasing overdue payments.
It’s not about chasing – it’s about making it easy to do the right thing.
