Invoicing tips for better cash flow

Getting an invoice paid on time starts with you making it easy for your customers to pay.

1. Create detailed invoices

When creating an invoice, you'll need to include the essential information about the job, like your business details, amount owed and payment information. But ask yourself if there are any other details your customers might want included in their invoice, eg expenses. Anticipating these requests may shorten the time it takes for your customers to make their payments.

4. Allow for electronic payments

Invoices that offer a 'pay now' option to take credit card transactions not only make it convenient for your customers, but can speed up payment times too. If you're sending invoices electronically using accounting software, consider adding a payment add-on, like Stripe or PayPal, which according to Xero could mean your invoices are paid 10 days faster than other invoices.

5. Make payment terms shorter

Payment terms of 30 days used to be the norm, but not anymore. Close to three quarters of invoices now ask for payment within two weeks, according to a Xero study. Xero found invoices with shorter payment terms get paid more quickly. They recommend discussing payment terms with customers before you get started to avoid confusion down the track.

6. Put systems in place

Chasing customers for payment takes time and can be stressful. To streamline the process, put a system in place that works for you. You could set up automatic reminders in your accounting software to be sent to customers as an invoice nears its due date. Xero has found that in the first 25 days after payment is due, overdue invoices with reminders get paid an average of four days sooner than those without.

Make sure your customers know your payment terms and options. Being on the same page as your customers from the start may help you avoid payment issues down the line.