Get Paid Faster: 3 Simple Changes to Your Invoicing Process
By Aaron Buster | July 16, 2025
You did the work, you sent the invoice, and now... you wait. For a small business, waiting 30, 60, or even 90 days to get paid can be crippling to your cash flow. You have bills and payroll to cover *now*. The good news is that you have more control over your accounts receivable than you think. By making a few simple changes to your invoicing process, you can dramatically shorten your payment cycle.
1. Invoice Immediately and Accurately
This sounds obvious, but it's the most common mistake we see. Many business owners wait until the end of the week or the end of the month to send out all their invoices. Every single day you wait is a day you've given your client an interest-free loan. As soon as the work is done or the product is delivered, send the invoice. Furthermore, ensure your invoice is crystal clear, with a specific due date, a detailed description of the work performed, and clear instructions on how to pay.
2. Offer Online Payment Options
If you are still only accepting paper checks, you are making it harder for your clients to pay you. In today's world, people expect the convenience of online payments. The friction of having to find a checkbook, write a check, and mail it is often enough to cause significant delays.
Implementing online payment solutions like Stripe, PayPal, or the built-in payment processors in QuickBooks or Xero is a game-changer. By simply including a "Pay Now" button on your digital invoice, you make it possible to get paid in seconds, not weeks.
3. Automate Your Follow-up
Chasing down late payments is awkward and time-consuming. It's easy to let it slide, but this passivity signals to your clients that your due dates are merely suggestions. You need a consistent follow-up process, and the best way to ensure it happens is to automate it.
Most modern accounting software allows you to set up automated reminder emails that are sent out when an invoice is about to be due, on the day it's due, and at set intervals (e.g., 7, 14, and 30 days) after it becomes overdue. These friendly, professional nudges do the chasing for you, maintaining your client relationships while ensuring you get paid.
Take Control of Your Cash Flow
You don't have to be a bank for your clients. By invoicing immediately, making it easy to pay you, and consistently following up, you can take control of your accounts receivable and build a healthier, more predictable cash flow for your business. If you're ready to implement these strategies, schedule a call with us. We can help you streamline your entire process.