Invoicing & Payments
Every contractor who wants to get paid on time. If you are hand-writing invoices or waiting weeks for checks, this guide is for you.
Do this first
Sign up for Square (free) and send your first professional invoice today. Accept card payments. You will get paid faster starting immediately.
- 1.Choose an invoicing tool: Square (free), QuickBooks, Jobber, or your field service platform
- 2.Set up your business profile: name, address, phone, logo, license number
- 3.Create invoice templates with: itemized services, materials, labor, and total
- 4.Connect a payment processor so customers can pay online by card or ACH
- 5.Send the invoice the same day you complete work — before you leave the job site if possible
- 6.Set up automatic payment reminders: 3 days before due, on due date, 7 days overdue, 14 days overdue
- 7.Offer multiple payment options: card, ACH, check, and on-site card reader
- 8.For large jobs: collect a deposit (25–50%) before starting work
- 9.Save every invoice for tax records — your software does this automatically
- 10.Review accounts receivable weekly: who owes you money and how long has it been?
Cheapest path
Square invoices are free to send. Standard card processing fees apply (verify current rates at squareup.com). Add a free Square Reader for on-site card payments. This is enough for most solo contractors.
Tools to compare
Not endorsements or paid placements. Compare these and other providers.
Free to send. Card reader available. Simple, professional, and fast.
When to use: You need professional invoices with online payment and do not need bookkeeping integration.
Visit site ↗Invoicing tied to your bookkeeping or job scheduling. One system for both.
When to use: You want invoices to automatically appear in your bookkeeping or job management system.
Visit site ↗Recurring billing, payment plans, subscription management, and custom checkout.
When to use: You offer maintenance plans, recurring services, or need payment plans for large jobs.
Visit site ↗Educational guidance only. Processing fees and pricing are approximate examples — verify current rates directly with each provider. Payment processor mentions are for reference, not endorsements.