Running your own show means the work doesn’t stop when the tools go down. If you’re sick of late payments, you’re not alone – and you’re not stuck. Tradies: Get Paid Faster with These Invoicing Tips is your guide to staying in control, getting cash in quicker, and cutting the stress at the end of the week.
Here’s what smart tradies are doing in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin:
Send the Invoice Before You Leave the Site 🧾
Don’t wait until Friday night when you’re completely stuffed. Send the invoice as soon as the job’s done – while you’re still in the ute. Getting it out fast means you’re more likely to get paid quickly.
Use mobile apps like Xero or MYOB to make invoicing on the go dead easy.
Pro Tip: Customers tend to pay quicker when the job’s still fresh in their mind.
Make Payment Details Impossible to Miss 💸
If your client has to hunt for your bank details, you’re asking for a delay. Put your BSB and account number front and centre on every invoice. No hunting. No excuses.
Want even faster payments? Add options like PayID, Stripe, or Square so they can tap and go.
Keep It Short and Clear ✂️
There’s no need to write an essay. List the work in simple, no-fuss language:
- Supplied and installed 20m² concrete driveway
- Repaired roof leak above kitchen
Skip the jargon and legal BS. A clear invoice means no confusion – and no delays from customers needing to “doublecheck.”
Set Payment Terms and Stick to Them ⏰
Spell out your payment terms on every invoice – 7 days, 14 days, whatever suits your business. Make it clear what you expect and when.
Add a friendly nudge like:
“Payment due within 7 days. We really appreciate your business and thanks for your prompt payment!”
Follow Up Without Apology 📞
If the due date passes and the money’s not there, follow up – fast! A quick call, text or email usually does the trick.
You’re not being a pest. You’re running a business. And you’ve earned that payment.
Need Help with Your Invoicing?
At Tradies Bookkeeping, we help tradies across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin stay on top of invoicing, bookkeeping and cashflow.
If chasing payments is doing your head in, give us a buzz. We’ll help you put systems in place so the cash keeps flowing – and you can focus on the job.
