1Send friendly reminders
Don’t be too passive about past-due receivables! Remember, if your customers haven’t heard from you in a while, then you can be the last of their vendors to get paid.
2Keep your invoices (seriously) simple
Make your invoices as clear and simple as possible. Include information on how to make the payment, along with your contact information so customers can easily get in touch if they’re confused by anything.
Always make sure to include all the information required. Double-check at GOV.UK.1
3Email proper invoices
Are you mailing your invoices? Sending your invoices by snail mail is outdated, slows down the process, and decreases your chances of getting paid. Run fast with PayPal POS, an invoicing feature that allows you to quickly send the invoice directly after you’ve created it. It’s as simple as taking a card payment.
Also, remember that sending easy-to-use, single-click online invoices is another way of boosting your chances of fast payments, especially compared to an old-school PDF.
4Net or days?
Net 30 means that the invoice is due in 30 days from the date issued. 30 days are standard in the United Kingdom. Remember that these days are actual days, not working days. In other words, the payment period includes weekends, bank holidays or similar.
Our research for this article showed that the most popular invoice-related question typed into Google is “what is an invoice?”. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that many customers won’t be familiar with the term “net 30”. To keep it crystal clear and write “payment due within 30 days” to avoid any confusion.
If you’re passive about past-due receivables, it might mean you end up being the last to get paid.
5Incentivise early payments
Beyond simply using more encouraging language, offering a gift certificate or small discount for early invoice settlement can also be a smart strategy for accelerating cash flow.
Think of a simple “2% off if you pay within 10 days” model. This not only improves cash predictability but also fosters additional goodwill and loyalty with the customer.
Many businesses report that these modest offers, when framed politely (for example, “Thank you for your business; enjoy 2% off if you pay early”), can smooth conversations around invoices and elevate your brand’s reputation.
Online vouchers can be powerful tools that, if pitched correctly, can cultivate repeat custom while supporting fast payment. They’re also easy to use.
Simply embed unique codes on the invoice or directly on your website and promote them through email or social media channels.
For example, posting “Pay within 7 days for 3% off” in your payment reminder emails adds urgency and clarity. Just ensure the discount is already built into your pricing model so margins aren’t squeezed any further than they need to be.
6Don’t wait!
The sooner you send your invoice, the sooner you may get paid. Instead of waiting until the end of the month, send an invoice to the customer as soon as you’ve completed a sale. Make it a habit to invoice ASAP!
Remember that numbers tell the story of your business. No matter how inspiringly you can explain the vision and mission of your business, the numbers can tell you how healthy it really is.