Tired of Chasing Payments? Here’s How to Get Paid Faster (Without Begging)

Ever feel like you’re running a charity instead of a business?  

You finish the job. You send the invoice. You wait. And wait. And then... nothing 🦗.  

So, you send a “friendly reminder.” Maybe you even call. Still nothing 🦗🦗.  

Finally, after weeks (or months!) of chasing, the check arrives. But by then, you’ve already covered payroll, paid for materials, and stressed yourself half to death.  

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.  

The Problem: Slow Payments Are Killing Your Cash Flow  

Most service-based businesses don’t go broke because they aren’t making money. They go broke because they aren’t getting paid fast enough.  

When clients drag their feet on payments, it creates a cash flow disaster:  

• You’re constantly juggling bills because money isn’t coming in on time.  

• You struggle to make payroll even though you have invoices out.  

• You end up borrowing money just to cover the gap, racking up interest and debt.  

And the worst part? Your clients aren’t delaying payments because they can’t afford it. They’re delaying payment because they can.  

The Solution: Your Fractional CFO, AKA Your Payment Enforcer  

A Fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer) like Simple CFO isn’t just about crunching numbers. We also fix your invoicing and collections process so you get paid faster – without awkward phone calls or playing “nice guy” forever.  

Here’s how we do it:  

1. Stop Waiting Until the End to Get Paid  

One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make? Waiting until the job is done to send an invoice.  

Simple CFO will help you change your payment terms so you get paid sooner:  

• Require deposits upfront. Clients should have skin in the game before you start work. A 30-50% deposit is standard in many industries.  

• Use progress billing. For longer projects, bill in stages instead of waiting until the end. Example: 30% upfront, 40% halfway, 30% at completion.  

• Send invoices immediately. Don’t wait a week (or more) to send your bill. Faster invoicing = faster payment.  
  

2. Make It Stupid-Easy for Clients to Pay  

You know what slows payments? Making it hard for clients to pay you.  

Simple CFO will make sure you:  

• Offer multiple payment options (credit card, ACH, online payments).  

• Set up automated invoices so clients can pay in one click.  

• Use invoice reminders (sent automatically at 7, 14, and 30 days).  

If your only payment option is “mail me a check,” you’re asking for delays.  

3. Charge Late Fees (Because You’re Not a Bank)  

When clients know there’s no penalty for paying late, guess what happens?  

They keep paying late.  

Simple CFO will help you implement a firm but fair late fee policy:  

1. A 1.5% late fee per month is common.  

2. Spell it out in your contracts and invoices so there are no surprises.  

3. Enforce it consistently – no exceptions.  

It’s amazing how fast people pay when they know it’ll cost them extra to wait.  

4. Track Who Owes You Money (And Follow Up Like a Pro)  

Most business owners are too busy working to keep track of unpaid invoices.  

That’s why Simple CFO will set up an accounts receivable system that:  

• Shows you exactly who owes what, and for how long.  

• Automatically follows up with past-due accounts (so you don’t have to).  

• Flags problem clients who are constantly late so you can reconsider working with them.  

No more guessing who still owes you money. No more waiting and hoping they remember to pay.  

5. Fire the Worst Offenders  

Some clients just don’t respect your time or your business.  

If Simple CFO sees the same names showing up again and again on the late-payment list, they’ll help you:

1. Require those clients to pay 100% upfront before any new work.  

2. Cut ties with repeat offenders who always cause cash flow issues.  

3. Focus on better clients who actually pay on time.  

Your time is valuable. Stop wasting it on people who don’t respect it.

How to Work With Your Fractional CFO  

If you’re tired of chasing payments, here’s how Simple CFO can help:  

1. Work together to set new payment terms. If you’ve always billed at the end, they’ll help you transition to upfront deposits and progress billing.  

2. Let them automate the follow-up process. You shouldn’t be sending manual emails and reminders – that should happen automatically. 

3. Trust the process. Some clients might push back at first, but the ones who truly value your work will adapt.  
   

Final Thought: Your Business is NOT a Bank  

You wouldn’t let your employees go months without a paycheck.  

So why let clients delay paying YOU?  

With the right strategies, Simple CFO can help you:

1. Get paid faster.  

2. Reduce late payments (without the stress).  

3. Finally have predictable cash flow.  

Because at the end of the day, you’re running a business – not a charity.  

It’s time to stop chasing payments and start collecting them.

Stop the stress. Start the solution. Talk to Simple CFO. Click below for a free call:

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