Six ways to get paid faster as a UK tradesman
Late payments are killing small trade businesses. Six changes to your quoting, invoicing and payment terms that get money in the bank inside 7 days.
The average UK small business waits 32 days to get paid. For a trade running a five-figure materials bill, that's the difference between a good month and a payroll problem.
1. Take a deposit. Every time.
30% up front on any job over £2,000. It's not rude — it's how every other industry works. Customers who won't pay a deposit rarely pay the final invoice either.
2. Invoice the same day the job's done
Every day you wait to send the invoice is a day added to how long it takes to get paid. If you can't do it that evening, you're using the wrong tools.
3. Add a 'Pay now' card link
Customers pay 3x faster when they can tap a card instead of setting up a bank transfer. Yes, Stripe takes 1.5%. Cash flow is worth more than 1.5%.
4. Shorten your terms
'30 days net' is a habit, not a rule. 7 days is normal for trades. Some of our customers use 'due on receipt' and get paid that afternoon.
5. Automate the chase
Reminders at day 3, day 7, and day 14 recover most late invoices without a single awkward phone call.
6. Charge interest on late invoices
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act gives you 8% above base rate plus a fixed compensation fee. Print it on your invoice. You rarely have to actually charge it.
How Cole helps
Deposits, Stripe card links, automated chasers and same-day invoicing are built into every plan — no add-ons, no per-transaction upsells.