Construction Financial Glossary

Net Payment Terms Definition

Net Payment Terms refer to the agreed period in which a client must pay an invoice. In construction contracts, this is often set to 30, 60, or 90 days, specifying the timeline for when the invoice payment is due after billing.

How Net Payment Terms Affect Cash Flow

Net payment terms directly impact a construction company’s cash flow. Longer payment terms (e.g., 60 or 90 days) can cause cash flow delays, which can affect the contractor’s ability to pay suppliers and subcontractors. Therefore, it’s important for contractors to manage these payment schedules carefully and ensure that they have enough working capital to cover expenses until the invoice is paid.

Best Practices for Managing Net Payment Terms

Contractors should negotiate favourable payment terms and ensure that clients are clear on the payment schedule. Regular communication and follow-ups on outstanding invoices can help ensure that payments are made on time, preventing cash flow issues.

FAQs

What does “Net 30” mean in construction contracts?

A: “Net 30” refers to the payment term, meaning the client must pay the invoice within 30 days after the billing date.

How do net payment terms affect a contractor’s cash flow?

A: Longer payment terms can delay cash flow, which can impact the contractor’s ability to pay suppliers and subcontractors.

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