Invoices, retainers, deposits and card-on-file billing for firms that bill for time and expertise.
Consultants, agencies, accountants and similar firms have the opposite profile to retail: a small number of large invoices rather than many small sales. That changes what matters. Percentage-based pricing hurts on a five-figure invoice, so ACH is often the better rail, and getting paid on time matters more than checkout speed.
Send a payment link with the invoice instead of chasing a bank transfer.
Flat-fee bank debits instead of a percentage on a large amount.
Charge a deposit, then bill against milestones or on a schedule.
Store a token for repeat clients so recurring work does not need re-authorisation each time.
Payment rates rise sharply when the client does not have to leave the email.
A deposit both funds the work and filters clients who were never going to pay.
Scope, cancellation and refund terms in the engagement letter are what protect you in a dispute.
On invoices above a few thousand dollars, ACH is usually cheaper because it is priced per item. Many firms offer both and let the client choose.
Surcharging and cash-discount programmes are regulated and the rules vary by state and card network. Ask us before implementing one, and confirm with your attorney.
A signed engagement letter, dated deliverables and written client approval are the evidence that wins these cases.
Send a recent statement, or your monthly volume and average ticket. You get a written breakdown back — no commitment.
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