How to Get Paid Faster as a UK Tradesperson

15 February 2026

Late payment is one of the biggest headaches for UK tradespeople. You've done the work, the customer's happy, but the money just doesn't arrive. According to the Federation of Small Businesses, over 50,000 small businesses close each year in the UK due to late payments. For sole traders and small trade businesses, even one overdue invoice can cause real stress.

The good news? There are practical steps you can take to get paid faster and spend less time chasing money. Here's what works.

1. Send Professional Invoices

A scribbled note or a text message saying "that'll be £450 mate" doesn't inspire urgency. A clean, professional PDF invoice does. It signals that you're running a proper business, that you take your finances seriously, and that you expect payment within the stated terms.

Your invoice should include your business name, address, a unique invoice number, the date, a clear breakdown of what you've done, the total amount, and your payment details. If it looks professional, people treat it professionally.

2. Invoice Immediately

This is the single biggest change most tradespeople can make. Don't wait until the weekend to "catch up on paperwork." Send the invoice the same day you finish the job — or even while you're still on site.

Why? Because the longer you wait, the less urgent the payment feels to your customer. If they get the invoice while they're still admiring the new kitchen or the freshly plastered wall, they're far more likely to pay promptly. Wait a week and it becomes just another bill in a pile.

3. Set Clear Payment Terms

Don't leave payment terms vague. "Payment due within 14 days" is clear. "Pay when you can" is an invitation to forget. State your terms on every invoice, and mention them when you agree the job.

Common payment terms for tradespeople:

• Due on receipt — best for smaller jobs
• 7 days — good standard for residential work
• 14 days — the most common for trade work
• 30 days — standard for commercial contracts, but risky for sole traders

The shorter the payment window, the faster you'll get paid. Just make sure your customer agrees to the terms before you start the work.

4. Make It Easy to Pay You

The more payment options you offer, the fewer excuses customers have. At a minimum, include your bank details for a direct transfer. If you can accept card payments, even better. Some tradespeople also use payment links that let customers pay with a single tap.

Remove every possible barrier between your customer and your money. If they have to go hunting for your sort code or ring you up to ask how to pay, you've already lost time.

5. Ask for Deposits on Larger Jobs

For any job over a few hundred pounds, a deposit is perfectly reasonable. It protects your cash flow, covers your material costs, and shows the customer is committed. A 25-50% deposit upfront is standard in the trades.

Include the deposit terms in your quote so there are no surprises. When the customer accepts the quote, they know the deposit is expected before work begins.

6. Follow Up Promptly (and Politely)

If payment hasn't arrived by the due date, follow up the next day. Not the next week — the next day. A polite message is all it takes: "Hi, just checking you received my invoice from [date]. Let me know if you need anything."

Most late payments aren't malicious. People are busy, they forget, the invoice gets buried in their emails. A gentle nudge is often all that's needed. The key is consistency: if you always follow up promptly, customers learn that you're on top of your finances.

7. Use Automatic Payment Reminders

Manually tracking due dates and sending reminders takes time you don't have. This is where automation makes a real difference. Tools that send automatic payment reminders when an invoice becomes overdue save you the awkwardness of chasing and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

NippyAgent includes automatic invoice reminders that chase overdue payments for you. When an invoice passes its due date, your customer gets a polite reminder — without you having to lift a finger. You can also include bank details and payment links directly on your invoices so customers can pay straight away.

8. Know Your Rights

Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, you have the legal right to charge interest on late commercial payments (8% plus the Bank of England base rate) and claim fixed compensation: £40 for debts up to £999.99, £70 for debts between £1,000 and £9,999.99, or £100 for debts of £10,000 or more. You don't need to exercise this on every late invoice, but knowing your rights gives you confidence when dealing with persistent non-payers.

For residential customers, the situation is different — the Act applies to business-to-business transactions — but a clear contract with payment terms still protects you.

The Bottom Line

Getting paid faster isn't about being aggressive. It's about being organised. Professional invoices, prompt sending, clear terms, easy payment methods, and consistent follow-up will transform your cash flow. Most of this takes minutes, not hours, especially with the right tools.

Stop spending your evenings chasing invoices. Set up the right system and let it work for you.