Late payment fees protect cash flow, but only when they are fair, visible, and enforced consistently.
The goal is prevention, not punishment — clear language nudges clients to pay on time without damaging trust.
1. Put Late Fees in Contracts and Invoices
Generic descriptions force clients to email you for clarification — and every extra step delays payment. Name the deliverable, quantity, rate, and any approved change order reference.
Save reusable line items in Friendly Dolphin so repeat work bills in seconds with the same clarity every time.
Specific line items turn invoices from a question into a one-click approval.
2. Use Percentages Clients Consider Reasonable
Payment terms belong in your contract and on every invoice in the same format. If you bill Net 15, do not switch to Net 30 without telling the client.
Add due dates that match your cash-flow needs, not whatever default your template shipped with.
Consistent terms train clients to pay on your schedule — not theirs.
3. Enforce Policies Without Escalating Tone
Send invoices the day work is approved, not the day you remember. Momentum matters — clients are most ready to pay when delivery is fresh.
Automate reminders before and after due dates so follow-up feels routine instead of personal.
