How to Get an Invoice Paid (Faster)
Late payment is one of the biggest headaches for small businesses. These practical steps help you get invoices paid on time — and what to do when one goes overdue.
Written by InvoiceSonic Editorial Team · Updated 5 June 2026
Set yourself up to get paid
- Invoice promptly — send it as soon as the work is done.
- Set clear payment terms (e.g. Net 14) and show the due date prominently.
- Make paying easy — include your BSB/account or a payment link.
- Confirm where to send it — bill the right person or accounts payable inbox.
- Keep the invoice professional and correct so there's no reason to query it.
What to do when an invoice is overdue
Most late payments are simply forgotten, so start friendly. Send a polite reminder on the due date and a firmer follow-up a week later, always re-attaching the invoice. Keep a record of when you followed up.
If it stays unpaid, call the client, offer a payment plan if needed, and as a last resort add late-payment terms or escalate. Clear, consistent follow-up resolves most overdue invoices.
Or use our online invoice generator to start from scratch.
FAQ
How can I get my invoices paid faster?
Invoice immediately, set short clear terms (e.g. Net 7–14), make payment easy with bank details or a link, and follow up the moment it's overdue. Professional, error-free invoices also get queried less.
What should I do if a client won't pay?
Start with a polite reminder, then a firmer follow-up re-attaching the invoice. Call them, offer a payment plan if needed, and keep records. As a last resort, apply late-payment terms or escalate to debt recovery.
What payment terms should I use?
Net 7 to Net 14 is common for small businesses and gets you paid faster than Net 30. Whatever you choose, state it clearly with a specific due date rather than "on receipt".