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Running a business · 3 min read

Five ways to make customer payments easier

Clear terms, accurate invoices and a straightforward way to pay: five practical checks for your next job.

A florist in an apron using a smartphone beside flowers in her shop
Illustrative photography · Amina Filkins / Pexels

You cannot control when every customer pays. You can make the amount, due date and payment method easier to understand.

1. Agree the payment terms with the work

Put the agreed price, scope and payment schedule in the quote. If the work changes, agree the revised amount before carrying on.

2. Check the invoice before sending it

Check the customer details, description of work, dates and total. For required invoice information and differences between business types, use the GOV.UK invoice checklist.

3. Offer a clear payment route

With Tender, a customer beside you can tap their card or phone against your phone. You can also share an invoice payment link. Explain the amount before taking payment and review the applicable processing fees.

4. Keep the payment record with the invoice

Check that a payment has succeeded. For cash or bank transfers, record what you actually received; marking an invoice paid does not move money.

5. Follow up with the details the customer needs

When an invoice is overdue, send a calm reminder with its reference, amount and agreed due date. Ask whether there is a question about the work or invoice.

See how payments work in Tender.

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