- Deposit: 30–50% upfront for new clients and fixed-price projects.
- Milestones: split larger projects into paid stages.
- Net terms: net 7 or net 15 shortens your cash cycle; agencies and corporates often insist on net 30–60 — price that in.
- Late fees: state them in the contract and on every invoice (for example 1.5% per month where legal). Calculate with the invoice late fee calculator.
- Kill fee: a percentage owed if the client cancels mid-project.
On every invoice
Invoice number, dates, due date, itemized work, your business and tax details, accepted payment methods and the late-fee clause. Track invoices with the free bookkeeping spreadsheet.