5 simple ways to get paid faster on every job
Waiting weeks to get paid is a choice — usually a systems problem, not a customer problem. Here are five easy fixes.
Getting paid slowly isn't just annoying — it's what pushes good contractors out of business. The good news: most late payments come from how you bill, not from bad customers. Fix the system and the money shows up sooner.
1. Ask for a deposit up front
A deposit protects you and filters out tire-kickers. Make it easy: send a quote the customer can approve and pay a deposit on right from their phone.
2. Make the quote crystal clear
Confused customers pay late. Spell out the work, the price, and what happens next in plain words. A clear quote is a fast yes.
3. Let them pay the way they want
- Card, so they can pay on the spot.
- Apple Pay and Google Pay, for one tap.
- A secure link, so there's no cheque to chase.
4. Send the invoice the day you finish
The best time to get paid is when the work is fresh and the customer is happy. Invoice before you leave the driveway.
5. Let reminders do the chasing
You shouldn't have to remember who owes you. Automatic reminders nudge unpaid invoices for you, so you can keep working.
Set your follow-ups once, and they run themselves — even while you're on a ladder.