Guides to getting paid on time

Updated September 30, 2026

Plain answers to the questions every small business hits when invoices go late.

• How to make your first invoice (step by step)Never sent an invoice before? Here is what to write, what to include, and how to get paid, in plain steps.
• What to put on an invoice: a plain checklistThe exact things every invoice should include, with a simple example you can copy.
• How to invoice for a cleaning businessWhat to put on a cleaning invoice, how to bill regular clients, and what to do when an office pays late.
• How to invoice as a handyman or contractorHow to bill for labor, materials and bigger jobs, when to ask for a deposit, and how to get paid by landlords and property managers.
• Should you ask for a deposit or bill after the job?When to ask for money up front, when to bill after, and how to word it so customers say yes.
• How to charge a late fee on an invoiceHow much to charge, when it applies, and how to make it stick.
• Invoice reminder email templates (before and after the due date)Copy-and-paste reminders that get paid without sounding pushy.
• What to say when a client pays latePolite scripts for emails and calls, from first nudge to final notice.
• Net 30 payment terms, explainedWhat Net 30 means, the common alternatives, and which to use.
• HoneyBook late fees too limited? Dunn vs HoneyBookHoneyBook's late fee waits 30 days and is percent-only. Dunn's is on your terms.
• Want late fees on your Stripe invoices? Dunn vs Stripe InvoicingStripe sends the invoice. Dunn makes sure it gets paid.
• Dunn vs Invoiless: sending invoices was never the hard partInvoiless sends invoices. Dunn gets them paid.
• Dunn vs Bonsai: you don't need a whole new suite to get paidBonsai does everything. Dunn does the getting-paid part really well.
• Dunn vs FreshBooks vs Wave: getting paid without switching appsKeep Stripe. Get the reminders and late fees.
• Dunn vs QuickBooks: keep QuickBooks for the books, use Dunn for the chasingQuickBooks does your books. Dunn chases late invoices.