United States › Net 30
What does Net 30 mean on an invoice?
Net 30 means the full amount of the invoice is due 30 days after the invoice date. An invoice dated March 1 on Net 30 terms is due by March 31. "Net" means the total after any discounts — the amount the customer actually owes.
Common payment terms
| Term | Meaning | Invoice dated June 10 is due |
|---|---|---|
| Due on receipt | Pay as soon as the invoice arrives | June 10 |
| Net 7 | 7 days after the invoice date | June 17 |
| Net 15 | 15 days after the invoice date | June 25 |
| Net 30 | 30 days after the invoice date | July 10 |
| Net 60 | 60 days after the invoice date | August 9 |
| Net 30 EOM | 30 days after the end of the month of the invoice | July 30 |
2/10 Net 30 — an early payment discount
2/10 Net 30 means the customer may take a 2% discount if they pay within 10 days; otherwise the full amount is due in 30 days. On a $2,000 invoice, paying by day 10 costs $1,960; paying on day 30 costs $2,000. It speeds up cash, but it costs you 2% on every customer who takes it.
Which terms should a small business use?
- Consumers and one-off jobs: due on receipt, or a deposit up front and the balance on completion.
- Regular business customers: Net 15 or Net 30 is normal. Large companies often ask for Net 45 or Net 60 — decide whether you can wait that long before agreeing.
- New customers: shorter terms, or a deposit, until they have paid you on time a few times.
Make the terms work
- Write the terms and the actual due date on the invoice — "Net 30 — due July 10". Customers rarely count days.
- Send the invoice the same day the work is done; the clock starts on the invoice date.
- Remind the customer a few days before the due date and again the day after.
- If you charge a late fee, put it in your terms and on the invoice, and keep it within your state's limits.
Make an invoice with terms
The free US invoice generator lets you set the due date and download a PDF. The free InvoiceMate app shows which invoices are overdue and sends the reminder on WhatsApp in one tap.
Questions
Does Net 30 mean business days or calendar days?
Calendar days, counted from the invoice date, unless your contract says otherwise.
Is Net 30 the same as 30 days from delivery?
Not by default — it runs from the invoice date. If you want it to run from delivery, write that in your terms.
What does "net" mean?
The amount due after any discounts or credits — what the customer actually has to pay.
Can I change terms for one customer?
Yes. Terms are agreed with each customer; set them on each invoice.