Resources
Guides, templates and tools for getting paid
Practical help for solo owners who do the work and want to collect for it: how-tos, copy-and-paste messages, invoice templates and honest comparisons.
Holiday season
Booking the holidays? See the holiday payments hub.
How-to guides
- GuideHow to get paid after a job (without chasing anyone)How to collect payment the moment a job is done: agree on the price, send a payment link, and keep a record. Practical steps for solo service businesses.
- GuideHow to send a payment link by text messageHow to text a customer a secure payment link so they can pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Includes message wording you can copy and paste.
- GuideHow to accept Apple Pay without a card readerYou don't need a terminal to take Apple Pay. Send a payment link and let customers pay from their own phone. How it works, what you need, what it costs.
- GuideHow to invoice a customer from your phoneSend a professional itemized invoice from your phone right after a job. What to include, how to number invoices, and how to let customers pay online.
- GuideHow to collect from a customer who won't payA calm, step-by-step approach to late payments: friendly reminder, firmer follow-up, formal demand, and when small claims court makes sense.
- GuideHoliday bookings: how to get paid before the dateHoliday demand is predictable and slots are limited. How service businesses can take bookings early, get paid before the date and avoid no-shows.
Templates and message scripts
- TemplatePayment reminder text messages you can copyPolite, firm and final payment reminder texts for service businesses. Copy and paste, swap in your details and get paid without the awkwardness.
- TemplateFree service invoice templateA simple service invoice you can copy: what to include, an example layout and message wording. Send it by text or email with a pay-now link.
- TemplateChristmas light installation invoice templateInvoice and booking template for holiday light installers: install, takedown and storage lines, a payment schedule and copy-and-paste customer messages.
- TemplateHoliday mini-session booking and payment policy templateA copy-and-paste booking policy for holiday photography mini-sessions: payment, rescheduling, weather and delivery, plus confirmation messages.
- TemplateHouse cleaning invoice templateA house cleaning invoice template with line items for deep cleans, add-ons and recurring visits, plus messages to get paid on the day.
- TemplateLawn care invoice templateA lawn care invoice template with mowing, edging, leaf cleanup and seasonal line items, plus messages to get paid right after each visit.
- TemplateHoliday pet sitting booking templateA booking policy, sample invoice and confirmation messages for holiday pet sitters and dog walkers. Get holiday stays paid before you pick up a leash.
- TemplateSnow removal invoice templateA snow removal and plowing invoice template with per-storm and seasonal line items, plus messages to get paid after each storm.
Tools
Comparisons
- ComparisonIs Zelle OK for a small business?Zelle is free and fast, but it has no purchase protection, no itemized invoices and a limit set by each bank. What solo owners should know before relying on it.
- ComparisonCash App vs Venmo vs Zelle for small businessFees, protection and fit for solo owners: how Cash App, Venmo and Zelle compare for collecting payment, and when a card payment link is a better option.
- ComparisonA Square Invoices alternative for solo ownersComparing Square Invoices and Mandalo for one-person service businesses: fees, setup, what each does best, and who should pick which.
- ComparisonStripe Payment Links vs MandaloMandalo runs on Stripe. So what does it add over creating Stripe Payment Links yourself? An honest look at cost, workflow and who needs which.
En español
- GuíaCómo cobrar a tus clientes por mensaje de textoEnvía un enlace de pago seguro por mensaje de texto y cobra con tarjeta, Apple Pay o Google Pay. Incluye mensajes listos para copiar y pegar.
- GuíaPlantilla de factura para serviciosUna plantilla de factura sencilla para negocios de servicios: qué incluir, un ejemplo y el mensaje para enviarla con un enlace de pago.
Get paid on the spot
Text a secure payment link. Customers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. No monthly fee.