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Draft payment terms that get you paid
Describe how you bill and get a payment terms clause covering invoices, due dates, late fees, disputed amounts and what happens when a customer stops paying.
River drafts the payment section of your contract: when invoices go out, when they are due, how they are paid, what a late payment costs, how a customer disputes a charge, and what you may do when invoices go unpaid. Describe how you bill, and River writes terms that match it, whether you invoice monthly, on milestones or in advance.
Most payment disputes come from terms that leave a gap: no due date counted from a clear starting point, a late fee nobody agreed, or no process for a disputed line, which lets a customer hold back the whole invoice. River closes those gaps and explains each choice in a line.
Late fees and interest have legal limits. Some states cap the interest rate a business may charge, and a fee that looks like a penalty rather than a fair estimate of the cost of late payment may not be enforced. River sets a rate for you to confirm against your state's rules.
What good payment terms spell out
Start with the clock. Say when invoices are issued, when payment is due, and what the due date counts from, such as the invoice date or receipt. Net 30 is common between businesses; shorter terms suit small firms and retainers. Name the accepted payment methods and who bears card or transfer fees.
Then deal with disagreements. A good clause requires the customer to dispute an invoice in writing within a set period, to say why, and to pay the undisputed part on time. Without that, one questioned line item can delay the entire payment while the parties argue.
Finally, the remedies. Interest or a late fee on overdue amounts, recovery of reasonable collection costs, and the right to suspend work after written notice give the supplier leverage without having to end the contract. Check that suspension does not conflict with any service level promises elsewhere in the agreement.
How it works
Describe your billing
How and when you invoice, what you charge, and what you want when payment is late.
River drafts the terms
A payment section written for your side and your contract.
Read the reasoning
A short note explains each choice and anything to check for your state.
Adjust in chat
Ask for milestone billing, a deposit, or the customer's version.
What you get
- Invoice timing, due dates and payment methods that match how you actually bill
- A late fee or interest rate for you to confirm against your state's limits
- A written dispute process that keeps undisputed amounts flowing
- Suspension and collection cost terms that give you leverage without ending the deal
- Tax, currency and expense reimbursement terms when your facts call for them
Common questions
What late fee can I charge?
It depends on your state and the contract. Many businesses charge monthly interest on overdue amounts or a flat fee, but some states cap interest rates, and a fee far above the real cost of late payment may be treated as an unenforceable penalty. River proposes a rate and marks it for you to confirm against your state's rules.
Should I require a deposit?
For project work with a new client, a deposit is common and lowers your risk if the client walks away. River can add one, say whether it is refundable, and credit it against the final invoice. For subscriptions, billing in advance does the same job.
What if the customer disputes part of an invoice?
Good terms require the dispute to be raised in writing within a set time, with reasons, and require the undisputed portion to be paid by the due date. That keeps most of the money moving while the disagreement is settled, and stops a small question from delaying the whole payment.
Can I stop work if they don't pay?
Only if the contract allows it, so write it in: after written notice and a short grace period, you may suspend work until overdue amounts are paid. Without that right, stopping work could itself be treated as a breach. River makes sure suspension fits your other promises in the contract.
Is this legal advice?
No. River drafts the payment terms and explains them, but it does not give legal advice or confirm your state's interest limits. For consumer contracts, construction work under prompt payment laws, or international payments, have a lawyer review the terms.
Draft payment terms that get you paid
Describe what you need, add any files you have, and your workspace opens with the work already underway.