How do I collect payment on site so plumbers aren't chasing invoices?
Residential jobs should be paid before the plumber leaves. Chasing small invoices costs more than they're worth.
- Customers say they'll pay later.
- Should we take deposits?
- How do we handle commercial accounts?
For residential work, invoice from the truck and take payment before leaving, by card reader or a payment link texted to the customer. Take deposits on large jobs like water heaters and repipes. For commercial accounts on terms, send invoices with their PO or work-order number the same day and automate reminders. Track days to payment.
By customer type
| Customer | Approach |
|---|---|
| Residential repair | Pay on completion |
| Large residential job | Deposit, then balance on completion |
| Commercial account | Same-day invoice with PO, reminders |
| Insurance-related | Agree terms up front |
How we look at it at ShoutEx
We set up invoicing, payment links and reminders in your software. Our HVAC answer on overdue invoices covers reminder timing.
- Invoices mailed weeks later.
- No deposits on big jobs.
- Commercial invoices without POs.
- No reminders.
- Payment before leaving.
- Deposits on large jobs.
- Same-day commercial invoices.
- Automatic reminders.
What plumbers and researchers say
Here is what plumbers say.
Plumbers share how they collect payment and deal with slow payers.
Browse the threads →Trades owners discuss payment on completion versus invoicing.
Browse the threads →Community summaries describe recurring themes in public threads, not individual posts. Vendor pages describe vendor claims, so test them on your own calls.
Read next
Go deeper in the ShoutEx guides, or check the sources behind this answer.
We'll set up invoicing, payment links and reminders.
Book a call →Follow-up questions
Do card fees eat margin?
Some companies add a convenience fee where allowed; check the rules.
Should we accept e-transfer?
Many Canadian customers prefer it. Match payments carefully.
What about financing?
Offer it for large jobs through a lender.