How to Get Paid Faster as a Contractor
Seven rules that end the 60-day-wait and keep cash actually flowing.
Late payment isn't a customer problem — it's usually a process problem. The contractors who get paid fast aren't luckier; they've built a few habits that make "pay me" the default instead of the exception.
The 7 rules
- Invoice the same day you finish. The longer the gap between work and invoice, the colder the customer. Send it while you're still on their mind.
- Take a deposit up front. 30% before you start isn't aggressive — it's standard. It covers materials and filters out the people who were never going to pay.
- Put a real due date on it. "Pay when you can" means "pay last." A specific date forces a decision.
- Make paying effortless. A SEPA QR code (or a payment link) means they can pay in one tap instead of digging for bank details.
- State late terms on the invoice. "2% monthly after due date" written down is legal leverage that most customers respect.
- Automate reminders. Day 7 nudge, day 14 call, day 30 formal notice. Never rely on remembering — that's where invoices go to die.
- Charge for scope changes immediately. Extra work done on a handshake is the easiest thing for a client to "forget." Put it in writing the same day.
The one that changes everything
If you only do one of these, make it rule #1 + rule #2: invoice fast and take a deposit. Those two alone cut the average payment wait by more than half for most solo contractors.
Stop chasing payments
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