Invoicing and getting paid – how to make sure you actually get paid

Once you’ve done the work, the next step is making sure you actually get paid.

What should be included on an invoice?

To avoid delays or issues, every invoice should include:

• business name
• ABN
• invoice date
• description of services or goods
• total amount
• GST (if registered)

Make sure all of this is clear before you send it.

Send invoices on time

Delayed invoice = delayed payment.

Make it a habit to invoice:

• immediately after work is done
• or based on agreed milestones

The sooner you invoice, the sooner you get paid.

Track what’s unpaid

You should always know:

• which invoices are unpaid
• how overdue they are

If you don’t track this, payments can slip through without you noticing.

Follow up

If a client hasn’t paid — follow up.

Most late payments are resolved with a simple follow-up message or call. Don’t assume it will resolve itself.

A basic follow-up process:

• send a reminder when the due date passes
• follow up again after a few days
• call if there’s no response after that

Cash flow is what keeps your business running day to day. Profit is important — but cash is what pays your bills.