Quick steps
- Agree the payment terms with the client before you start, ideally in writing.
- Pick a due date with the quick buttons in the editor: on receipt, 7, 14, 30 or 60 days.
- Write the terms in plain words in the Terms box.
- Add how to pay: bank details, mobile money or a payment link.
- Use the same terms every time for the same client.
Common payment terms and what they mean
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Due on receipt | Pay as soon as the invoice arrives. Common for small one-off jobs and consumers. |
| Net 7 / Net 14 | Pay within 7 or 14 days of the invoice date. Popular with freelancers and small businesses. |
| Net 30 | Pay within 30 days of the invoice date. The usual default for business-to-business work. |
| Net 60 / Net 90 | 60 or 90 days. Often demanded by large companies; it ties up your cash for a long time. |
| EOM | “End of month”: payment is due at the end of the month the invoice was issued. “Net 30 EOM” means 30 days after the end of that month. |
| 2/10 Net 30 | The client can take a 2% discount by paying within 10 days; otherwise the full amount is due in 30 days. |
| CIA / CWO | Cash in advance, or cash with order: payment before you deliver. |
| 50% upfront | Half on booking, the balance on completion. Common for projects and new clients. |
Which terms should you choose?
- Shorter terms get you paid sooner. Net 14 is reasonable for most freelance and small-business work.
- Write the date, not just the term. “Due 14 November 2026 (Net 14)” is clearer than “Net 14” alone. The editor shows the due date automatically.
- Take a deposit on big jobs or from new clients, and invoice the balance on completion.
- Large companies may insist on their own terms, such as Net 60. Factor that into your price, or ask for staged payments.
- Late fees must be agreed in advance and allowed by law where you work. Some countries give businesses a legal right to interest on late payments.
Wording you can copy
Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date. Please pay by bank transfer and use the invoice number as the reference.
50% of the project fee is due before work begins. The remaining 50% is due on completion, within 7 days of the final invoice.
Payment due within 30 days. A 2% discount applies if paid within 10 days of the invoice date.
Frequently asked questions
What does Net 30 mean on an invoice?
The client must pay the full amount within 30 days of the invoice date. For an invoice dated 1 March, payment is due by 31 March.
Does Net 30 mean 30 working days?
No. Unless you say otherwise, Net 30 means 30 calendar days from the invoice date.
What is the difference between due on receipt and Net 0?
They mean the same thing: payment is expected as soon as the client receives the invoice.
What should I do when an invoice is overdue?
Send a polite reminder, then firmer ones. Our payment reminder email templates cover each stage, from a friendly nudge to a final notice.