Net-30, Net-60, Net-90: Which Payment Terms Are Normal?
A freelancer's guide to payment terms — what Net-30/60/90 means for your cash flow, what's standard, and how to negotiate faster payment.
"Net-30" means payment is due 30 days after you invoice. Net-60 and Net-90 mean 60 and 90 days. The number sounds administrative, but it directly controls your cash flow: a Net-60 term means you might finish work in March and not see money until late May.
What is actually normal
- Net-15 to Net-30: standard and healthy for freelance and small-business work.
- Net-45: common with mid-size companies; mildly inconvenient but workable.
- Net-60: typical of large corporates; a real strain on a solo freelancer's cash flow.
- Net-90: aggressive. You are effectively financing the client for three months.
Long terms are an interest-free loan — from you
Every extra 30 days of payment terms is 30 more days the client holds money you have already earned. For a small business, that gap is where cash-flow crises come from.
It's not just the number
Check what starts the clock. "Net-60 from receipt of a valid invoice" is reasonable. "Net-60 from acceptance" — where acceptance is vague — can stretch indefinitely. Also look for whether there's a deposit, a late-fee provision, and a clear dispute process.
Worried your contract has this clause? fynPrint flags it in plain English in about 60 seconds — your first analysis is free.
Analyze free →How to negotiate better terms
- Ask for a deposit (often 25–50%) before work begins — it de-risks the whole engagement.
- Propose Net-15 or Net-30; if the client's system truly requires Net-60, ask for milestone payments so you're paid as you go.
- Add a simple late-fee clause (e.g. 1.5% per month) — it signals you take payment seriously.
- Tie the payment clock to invoice receipt, not to a vague acceptance step.
fynPrint flags slow payment terms, vague acceptance triggers, and missing deposit or late-fee language — and drafts the email to ask for better terms.
Frequently asked questions
What does Net-60 mean?
Payment is due 60 days after you submit a valid invoice. For a solo freelancer that is a long wait and worth negotiating down, ideally to Net-15 or Net-30 with a deposit.
Is it reasonable to ask for a deposit?
Yes. A deposit of 25–50% before starting is standard freelance practice and protects both sides by confirming commitment.
Can I charge late fees as a freelancer?
Generally yes, if it is in your contract. A modest late-fee provision (commonly around 1.5% per month) is common and encourages on-time payment.
Related reading
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fynPrint is not a law firm. AI-generated analysis is legal information, not legal advice.