The average freelancer and small agency waits 29 days to get paid. That's nearly a month of work you've already done with cash sitting in someone else's account.
Here are 7 methods that actually move the needle.
1. Make it effortless to pay
The biggest reason invoices go unpaid isn't unwillingness — it's friction. If paying requires logging into a banking app, copying an account number, and manually setting up a transfer, most clients will put it off.
Add a direct payment link to every invoice. Stripe payment links let clients pay by credit card in one click.
2. Invoice immediately after delivery
The best time to invoice is the moment you deliver work. Clients are most appreciative right after they receive something. Don't wait until the end of the month.
3. Set clear payment terms upfront
Net-30 is the industry standard, but that doesn't mean you have to use it. Net-7 or Net-14 is increasingly common for digital services. Set expectations before starting the project.
4. Use automated payment reminders
Most accounting and invoicing tools will send automatic reminders at 7, 14, and 21 days past due. This removes the awkward manual follow-up.
5. Show the invoice where the client already looks
If your client has a portal where they track project updates, putting the invoice there means they see it without having to check their email. BuyerSuite displays outstanding invoices directly in the client portal with a Pay Now button.
6. Require a deposit
50% upfront is standard practice for agencies. It pre-qualifies serious clients and immediately improves cash flow.
7. Mark overdue invoices visibly
An invoice that quietly ages in "sent" status isn't doing you any favors. Make sure your system automatically marks invoices as overdue after the due date so you know exactly what needs follow-up.
Start collecting payments faster. Try BuyerSuite free →