What payment terms should a tradie use in Australia?
Use short, clear terms and state them before the work starts. For small residential jobs, many tradies ask for payment on completion or within a short period such as 7 days. For larger jobs, take a deposit and progress payments tied to stages. Put the terms on the quote, repeat them on the invoice, and make paying easy with a pay-now link.
Agree terms before the work
Terms only work if the customer saw them before saying yes. Put them on every quote and include them in the acceptance.
Small jobs
Payment on completion, or within a short number of days, is common for residential service work. The shorter the gap between the job and the payment, the less chasing.
Bigger jobs
A deposit to cover materials, then progress payments at clear stages, keeps you from funding the customer's project out of your own pocket. If you work under a construction contract, your state's security of payment law may apply to how claims are made and paid.
Rules to check
Deposit limits and contract requirements for residential building work vary by state. Check the rules where you work, or get advice for anything unusual.
Common questions
Can I ask for a deposit?
Usually yes, but some states limit deposits on residential building work. Check your state's rules.
Should terms be on the invoice?
Yes. Repeat the due date and how to pay on every invoice.
Do I need to charge GST?
If you're registered for GST, yes. Your accountant can confirm your situation.
What's the easiest way to get paid on completion?
Send the invoice from your phone at the end of the job with a card payment link.