Let’s be real—every lawn business has been there: waiting on payments that just don’t show up. 😅
Imagine mowing your heart out and being months behind on invoices. It’s a cash flow nightmare—and it almost sunk a guy I know! If you want to avoid that mess, here are my tried-and-true tips to keep the money rolling in smoothly. 🤑
1️⃣ Set Clear Payment Terms from Day One
When someone accepts your quote, let them know the deal: payment is due within 24 hours, period. Don’t leave it to the customer to “remember”—it’s a recipe for disaster. Trust me, I learned the hard way. Lesson learned: If they don't run an account and haven't paid for the last cut, they don't get another one.
2️⃣ Use Texting for Quick Payments 📱
Forget clunky invoicing systems. We text customers our banking details right after the mow, and guess what? 90% pay on the same day. It’s quick, easy, and keeps things flowing. If you prefer invoicing, we use Invoiless, which has an affordable lifetime license option to get you started. https://bit.ly/101Invoicesoftware 3️⃣ Make Paying a Breeze 🌊
Keep it simple, folks. Whether it’s online banking or payment portals, the easier it is, the faster you’ll get paid. Just say no to cash. 🚫💵 It’s a hassle, and if it gets lost or stolen, who’s eating that cost? You are. No thanks.
4️⃣ Add a Little Extra Motivation 😉
Late payment fees are a game-changer. On our invoices, we include:
“All late accounts will incur a $15 fee.”
Nobody likes extra charges, so they pay up fast! Want to offer a discount for early payments? Go for it—but make sure it’s worth your while.
5️⃣ Let Automation Do the Awkward Work 🤖
Automatic reminders are your best friend. If a customer complains, blame the computer! 😂 Seriously though, they work like magic, and you don’t have to lift a finger.
6️⃣ Have a Plan for Late Payments ⏳
When payments are late (it happens), here’s our go-to text:
“Hi, [Your Name] here from [Your Business]. Payment hasn’t come through for your recent mow. Could you check and let me know? Thanks!”
Most people will pay ASAP. For the few who don’t? It’s okay to move on. Life’s too short to stress over chronic late-payers. 🙌
Final Thoughts
Getting paid on time = respecting yourself and your business. 💪 Keep your payment process tight, communicate clearly, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember, you’re here to mow lawns, not chase invoices! 🌱
💬 What’s YOUR go-to tip for staying on top of payments? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your secrets!