Choose payment terms before the job starts, agree them with the customer and put the resulting due date on the invoice. Seven, 14 and 30 days are options, not legal rules for every job. The useful choice depends on the customer, the costs you are carrying and the contract.

For longer work, a clear deposit or stage-payment schedule may matter more than the number of days allowed after the final invoice.

Choose terms that fit the work

On completion or within seven days: consider this for a short job where the person approving the work also pays. Explain the arrangement at booking rather than surprising them at the end.

Within 14 days: this can give time to check a larger invoice and arrange payment. Decide what completion means and how genuine outstanding work or queries will be handled.

Within 30 days: a business customer may propose this through its accounts process. Check whether it means days from issue, receipt, approval or month end, and assess the cash you must fund while waiting.

These are practical considerations, not evidence that one period is normal or best for a particular trade. Do not change agreed terms simply by printing a shorter deadline on the invoice.

Identify the customer and the payment process

Establish who the contract is with. A private householder, letting agent, landlord and main contractor may have different roles even where the work takes place in the same house.

For a business customer, ask for the invoice address, purchase-order reference, submission portal and accounts contact before starting. Find out who confirms that a stage is complete. Keep that information with the quote so an avoidable submission problem does not hold up the invoice.

Understand the commercial late-payment rules

Where no payment date is agreed for a commercial transaction, GOV.UK says payment becomes late 30 days after invoice receipt or delivery of the goods or service, whichever is later. Agreed terms are usually within 30 days for public authorities and 60 days between businesses; a longer business period must be fair to both sides.

Read the current commercial late-payment guidance. The statutory interest and recovery-cost rules do not automatically apply to a householder buying work for private use.

Consumer terms must be clear and fair. Avoid clauses claiming an unrestricted right to charge fees or dismiss complaints. For construction contracts, payment notices and other requirements can also matter. Get advice on the particular contract if you are unsure.

Write the term and the date

Show an exact payment date alongside the agreed period. Include the payment method and reference. A customer should not have to work out which date starts the clock.

Illustrative wording for an agreed 14-day term

Invoice date: 10 September 2026. Payment due: 24 September 2026, within 14 calendar days of the invoice date. Please pay by bank transfer using invoice [number] as the reference.

Use the dates and terms actually agreed. The example is not a clause that can replace a different contract. GOV.UK explains payment obligations and agreed terms.

Use clear stages for longer jobs

List the amount or calculation, the stage that triggers it and the due date or period for each payment. Check that the amounts add up to the contract total and that advance payments come off the balance.

• Identify any payment for ordered materials.

• Use recognisable progress points for stage payments.

• Explain how approved changes affect the schedule.

• Show what is due when the agreed work is complete.

Do not write a blanket non-refundable deposit condition. The deposit guide explains why the purpose, amount and cancellation terms need attention.

Send a complete invoice, then follow up

Send the invoice when the agreed trigger occurs and keep evidence of delivery. Include the customer, job reference, work description, correct amount, VAT treatment and payment details. Use the trade invoice checklist.

After the due date, check for errors or genuine queries before chasing. If payment is still missing, use a clear written reminder and record any agreement. The unpaid invoice guide covers the distinction between an ordinary reminder and formal action.

TradePilot prepares reminder wording for you to check and send. Payments are recorded manually; there is no automatic bank matching or customer chasing.

Written by Chris, founder of TradePilot. General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed 16 September 2026 against the official sources linked above.