Deze gids is nog niet vertaald in jouw taal — je ziet de Engelse versie.
Payment terms tell the client exactly when payment is due — and vague terms are one of the biggest reasons invoices get paid late. "Payment due soon" isn't a due date; it's an invitation to guess.
What "Net 30" (and friends) actually mean
"Net" terms count days from the invoice date, not from when the client happens to open the email. Net 30 means payment is due 30 calendar days after the invoice date. The same logic applies to Net 15, Net 45, Net 60, and so on — the number is just the day count.
A few other common terms:
- Due on receipt — payment is expected as soon as the client receives the invoice. Common for smaller amounts or one-off work.
- Net 7 / Net 15 — shorter terms, often used by freelancers and small businesses that can't afford to wait a full month for cash.
- 2/10 Net 30 — a small discount (2%) if paid within 10 days, full amount due within 30. See our early payment discount calculator to work out whether offering one makes sense for you.
Choosing terms that fit your business
Shorter terms mean better cash flow but can feel aggressive to clients used to longer cycles — particularly larger companies whose own accounts payable processes run on a 30- or 60-day rhythm. A few starting points:
- New or occasional clients: shorter terms, or due on receipt, until you've built trust.
- Ongoing clients with a track record of paying on time: Net 30 is a reasonable, widely-understood default.
- Larger companies or government clients: they may require Net 45 or Net 60 regardless of your preference — worth confirming before you start work, not after you've sent the invoice.
Always show an actual date, not just the term
Even if your terms are "Net 30," put the actual due date on the invoice — "Due: March 15, 2026," not just "Net 30." It removes any ambiguity about which date the client should be counting from, and it's the date that shows up when they set a payment reminder. Our invoice due date calculator turns an invoice date and a term into an exact due date in one step.
Decide your late-payment policy up front
Whatever terms you choose, decide before you need it: what happens if payment is late? A grace period, a late fee, an interest charge — stating this on the invoice itself (not introducing it after the due date has passed) makes it far easier to enforce without the conversation feeling like a surprise.