📌 Key Takeaways
- Net 15 payment terms are used to encourage buyers to pay promptly within 15 days.
- Net 30/60/90, 2/10 Net 30, PIA, and MFI are other similar payment terms to Net 15.
- On-time payments and repeat buyers are pros, while default risks and potential disputes are cons of Net 15 payment terms.
- Businesses can switch to Moon Invoice for efficient Net 15 invoice management and to reduce their workload.
As digital payment trends continue to rise in 2025, modern businesses are willing to make the most of them by allowing their buyers to pay online, and ultimately, they get paid in less time. However, some delinquent buyers may not pay the dues even after multiple reminders. Therefore, it makes sense to include strict payment terms when creating a new invoice.
Net 15 terms is one of the shorter payment terms used to encourage buyers to complete the payment in a couple of weeks. Introducing a net 15 in an invoice keeps buyers informed about the urgency of the payment and potential late penalties. That’s how payment terms help businesses collect the money as quickly as possible and set them free from chasing payments.
Here, let us explain everything about net 15 billing terms, including examples, benefits, and challenges.
What are Net 15 Payment Terms?
Net 15 is a short payment term, highlighting the urgency to complete the payment within 15 days. This means the recipient has only 15 days to pay an invoice starting from the date an invoice is issued. Failing to complete the payment on time may incur additional fees in the form of late penalties.
Such invoicing practices are common for small businesses in an effort to boost their payment collection and get paid as early as possible. So, if the seller issues a net 15 invoice, it clearly defines how soon they expect payment. Following a 15-day period, penalties may come into effect, and the recipient will be required to pay extra money.
💡Did you know?
Net 15 terms are more widely utilized by freelancers than by small businesses to improve cash flow.
Net 15 Payment Terms Example
Here is the ideal example of what an invoice with net 15 terms looks like.
Referring to the above example, you can check how the seller has placed net 15 payment terms along with necessary details such as invoice number, due date, and outstanding amount. So, it clearly states that the client has 15 days to settle their pending dues. Otherwise, they are required to pay penalties if payment is made after a 15-day period.
Alright, let us take another net 15 example. Suppose you, the owner of a digital marketing agency, issued an invoice of $ 2,500 on May 1st for the marketing services you provided to the client. Also, you want the client to pay the dues in a short time, so you also included a net 15 payment terms in an invoice.
Now, the 15-day period begins the moment you send the invoice, meaning the client should complete the payment by May 16th. Paying the dues late, i.e., after May 16th, attracts the penalties.
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What are the Other Payment Terms
Apart from net 15, below are other common payment terms that you might need to speed up the payment collection process.
1. PIA (Payment in Advance)
PIA demands some portion of the payment before the work is completed. It is basically to cover material costs. So, if the PIA is included in an invoice, it means the buyer has to pay before the work begins. Sometimes, the seller may also include payment terms like PIA to collect the full payment upfront.
2. MFI (Month Following Invoice)
MFI states that the client needs to complete the payment within a month, starting from the date the invoice is shared. If the seller mentions MFI as a payment term, the client must clear the dues by the 30th of the particular month. In case the due date is missed, the client may incur extra charges, such as penalties.
3. Net 30/60/90
Net [D] is another payment term commonly used by businesses. Net [D] payment terms include net 30, 60, or 90. It clarifies that the client has a month or more to make the payment. So, whichever payment term is used, clients need to pay their dues before or on the due date. For example, net 60 payment terms allow clients to make payments within 60 days. Following the due date, the seller may include applicable penalties.
4. 2/10 Net 30
Inclusion of 2/10 net 30 indicates a 2% discount if and only if the buyer makes the payment within the first 10 days after the invoice is issued. Following the 10-day period, the buyer can pay the money at any time within 30 days, but will lose the discount on the total amount. This way, 2/10 net 30 is mostly used to receive the payment instantly.
Benefits and Challenges of Net 15 Payment Terms
Net 15 terms have both positives and negatives that you might want to know before using them in an invoice. Let’s explore them.
Net 15 Benefits
- On-time payment: Including net 15 billing terms in an invoice encourages buyers to pay early and avoid penalties.
- No need for payment reminders: Most recipients understand the importance of net 15 terms and pay their invoices promptly, making payment reminders unnecessary.
- More repeat customers: Defining net 15 payment terms shows the seller is ready to offer a 15-day time to the buyer, which may lead to more repeat customers.
Net 15 Challenges
- Risk of payment default: With net 15 terms, there is also a risk of payment default. Some customers might fail to perform their financial obligations.
- Not for large-scale projects: Net 15 payment terms can’t be perfect for those who are associated with large-scale projects.
- Potential disputes: Customers who fail to pay after 15 days may face disputes over late fees, which can strain the business relationship.
Conclusion
Introducing shorter payment terms, such as Net 15, can draw faster payments, enabling businesses to focus on other important tasks instead of taking constant follow-ups. Like other payment terms, Net 15 comes with both positives and negatives, which should be carefully considered when preparing a Net 15 invoice. However, managing Net 15 invoices in bulk can be challenging without a robust invoicing solution.
To ease invoice management and ensure efficient tracking, you can utilize automation software like Moon Invoice. It’s a one-stop solution for all your invoicing needs, allowing you to store unlimited invoices, POs, receipts, and more. Get free access to Moon Invoice for a limited time.
FAQs
Jayanti Katariya is the founder & CEO of Moon Invoice, with over a decade of experience in developing SaaS products and the fintech industry. He holds a degree in engineering. Since 2011, Jayanti's expertise has helped thousands of businesses, from small startups to large enterprises, streamline invoicing, estimation, and accounting operations. His vision is to deliver top-tier financial solutions globally, ensuring efficient financial management for all business owners.
