Case study: the late fee that got her invoice paid in 3 days

Case study: the late fee that got her invoice paid in 3 days

A late-payment fee = extra money the brand owes if they pay past the agreed date.

A creator delivered a $1,500 campaign with Net 30 terms. Day 45 came — still no payment. Calm follow-ups got ignored.

Her contract had one helpful line: "Invoices unpaid after 30 days accrue a 5% late fee per month."

She sent: "Friendly reminder — the 5% late fee starts applying as of today." Within 3 days, the full $1,500 hit her account.

The fee did its job: it gave the accounting team a reason to move her invoice to the top.

The lesson: a late fee isn't rude. It's a normal, gentle nudge written in advance.

Your move: add "5% monthly late fee after 30 days" to your terms.