Payment terms tell your client when and how to pay. Clear terms are one of the simplest ways to get paid on time.
Common payment terms
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Due on receipt | Pay as soon as the invoice arrives. |
| Net 7 / Net 14 | Pay within 7 or 14 days of the invoice date. |
| Net 30 | Pay within 30 days. Common with larger companies. |
| EOM | Pay by the end of the month the invoice was issued. |
| 2/10 Net 30 | 2% discount if paid within 10 days, otherwise the full amount within 30 days. |
| 50% upfront | Half before the work starts, the rest on delivery. |
Which terms to choose
- New client or large job: ask for a deposit, then Net 7 on the final invoice.
- Regular small clients: Net 7 or Net 14.
- Large companies: Net 30 is normal. Ask early if they need a purchase order number.
Wording you can copy
- Payment is due within 14 days of the invoice date.
- Please pay by bank transfer and use the invoice number as the reference.
- A deposit of 50% is due before work begins. The balance is due on completion.
On invoice-gen.net, choose Payment due in the options to set the due date, and edit the Terms box at the bottom of the invoice.
Questions
What does Net 30 mean?
Net 30 means the full amount is due 30 days after the invoice date. Net 7 and Net 14 work the same way with 7 or 14 days.
What payment terms should I use?
For individuals and small clients, 7 or 14 days works well. Larger companies often pay on Net 30. For a new client or a big job, ask for a deposit upfront.
Can I charge a late fee?
In many countries you can, if it was agreed in advance. State it in your terms, for example: a late fee of 2% per month applies after the due date. Check the rules where you work.
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