Net 7 vs Net 15 vs Net 30: Which Payment Terms Should Freelancers Use?
Net 7, Net 15, and Net 30 all define when payment is due. The right choice depends on client size, risk, and how much cash-flow delay you can absorb.
Payment terms are one of the easiest places for freelancers to lose control of cash flow. Net 7, Net 15, and Net 30 sound like small differences, but the gap between getting paid next week and getting paid next month can decide whether a project is financially comfortable.
What Net terms mean
Net terms state how many calendar days the client has to pay after the invoice date. Net 7 means payment is due within 7 days. Net 15 means payment is due within 15 days. Net 30 means payment is due within 30 days.
Unless the agreement says otherwise, these are calendar days, not business days.
When to use Net 7
Net 7 works well for smaller freelance projects, quick-turnaround work, and clients who do not have a formal accounts payable process.
- Best for: solo clients, small businesses, urgent projects, one-off work.
- Risk: some larger companies cannot process payment that quickly.
- Tip: pair Net 7 with a deposit for new clients.
When to use Net 15
Net 15 is a useful middle ground. It gives clients time to process payment without forcing the freelancer to carry the receivable for a full month.
- Best for: repeat clients, retainers, small agencies, professional services.
- Risk: clients may still drift past the date without reminders.
- Tip: send a friendly reminder a few days before the due date.
When to use Net 30
Net 30 is common with larger businesses, but freelancers should treat it as a credit decision. You are effectively financing the client for a month.
- Best for: established companies, purchase orders, ongoing contracts.
- Risk: Net 30 can become Net 45 if approval is slow.
- Tip: confirm the billing contact and approval process before work starts.
Use deposits to reduce risk
If the project is large, new, or cash-intensive, collect a deposit before work begins. A 25% to 50% deposit can make longer payment terms easier to tolerate because the freelancer is not carrying the entire project cost.
The practical recommendation
For many freelancers, Net 7 or Net 15 is healthier than Net 30. Use Net 30 only when the client requires it, the relationship is strong, or the project economics make the wait acceptable.
Whatever terms you choose, put them on the invoice and follow up consistently. Invoicito helps by keeping the due date visible and giving you a cleaner path from invoice creation to payment reminder.