Payment terms clause template

In brief

A good payment-terms article fits in a few sentences: payment within a set number of days of receipt, the accepted payment methods, a late-payment penalty, a deposit before work starts, proof of delivery, retention of title for goods, and how disputes are settled. Tick what you need and copy the result.

How to use this template

Each clause answers a question your client may raise when the invoice falls due: when do I have to pay, what happens if I’m late, how do you prove delivery, who settles a disagreement. Written before the work starts, these answers are accepted at signing; written afterwards, they are negotiated under pressure.

Replace every [bracket] with your own figure: the number of days, the penalty rate, the deposit percentage. Put the article in your contract, and repeat the payment terms on your quotes and invoices. This is indicative wording: adapt it to your business and have it reviewed before use. It is not legal advice.

Tick the clauses you want. The article below assembles them, ready to copy. Payment terms, in days.“30 days from receipt of invoice” beats “payment to be agreed”.Wording : Invoices are payable within [30] days of receipt by the Client, by bank transfer, Orange Money or MTN MoMo. Each invoice states its due date. The late-payment penalty.A written rate, accepted at signing, that puts a price on delay.Wording : Any late payment automatically incurs a penalty of [X]% of the amount including tax per month of delay, any month started being due in full. The deposit.A share paid at order. A client who paid to start wants the work to succeed.Wording : A deposit of [30]% of the total amount is paid on signing this contract. Work starts upon receipt of this deposit. Proof of delivery.A signed delivery note or acceptance report. Without it, the invoice is open to dispute.Wording : Delivery is recorded by a delivery note or acceptance report signed by the Client. Absent written reservations within [5] working days, the service is deemed accepted. Retention of title.For goods: in writing, it keeps you owner until full payment.Wording : Goods delivered remain the property of the Supplier until full payment of the price, principal and incidentals. Dispute resolution.Which court or arbitration, and what procedure. Decided calmly, not mid-conflict.Wording : Any dispute relating to this contract is first subject to an attempt at amicable settlement for [15] days. Failing agreement, it is brought before [the competent court where the Supplier has its registered office].

Draft · Payment terms

Article [X] · Payment terms

1. Invoices are payable within [30] days of receipt by the Client, by bank transfer, Orange Money or MTN MoMo. Each invoice states its due date.

2. Delivery is recorded by a delivery note or acceptance report signed by the Client. Absent written reservations within [5] working days, the service is deemed accepted.

Indicative wording, to adapt to your business and have reviewed before use.