When to Send an Invoice to Your Client: Timing Tips
The Importance of Invoice Timing
When you send your invoice can directly impact how quickly you get paid. Sending it at the right time, with the right payment terms, makes all the difference. Let's explore the best practices for invoice timing.
Best Time to Send an Invoice
Immediate Delivery
For most services, send your invoice as soon as the work is complete. The sooner your client has the invoice, the sooner they can process payment.
Project-Based Work
Send invoices at the following milestones:
- Upon project completion
- At agreed-upon project stages
- At the end of each month (for retainer work)
- When partial deliverables are completed
Hourly Work
For hourly work, invoice:
- Weekly
- Bi-weekly
- Monthly (most common)
Payment Terms to Consider
- Due on Receipt: Payment expected immediately
- Net 15: Payment in 15 days
- Net 30: Payment in 30 days (most common)
- Net 45: Payment in 45 days
- Net 60: Payment in 60 days (for large clients)
Day of Week Matters
While it might seem odd, the day you send an invoice can impact payment speed:
- Send invoices early in the week (Monday-Wednesday) to avoid weekend delays
- Avoid sending on Friday if you need quick payment
- Don't send late in the month when cash flow is tight
Follow-Up Strategy
- Send a friendly reminder 3-5 days before the due date
- Send another reminder on the due date
- Follow up within 3-5 days of the due date if not paid
Getting Paid Faster
- Send invoices immediately
- Offer early payment discounts (e.g., 2% if paid within 10 days)
- Use Net 15 instead of Net 30 for smaller invoices
- Make payment easy with multiple payment options
- Request payment upfront for new clients
- Follow up promptly on late payments
Conclusion
Timing your invoices correctly is essential for maintaining healthy cash flow. Create your invoices quickly with our free invoice generator and send them out immediately after work is completed.