The single biggest cash flow problem for Australian sole traders isn’t sending invoices — it’s not getting paid for them. The fix involves three things working together: sending invoices the moment the job is done, offering multiple ways to pay, and automating your follow-up. Sole handles all three from your phone.
How to Send an Invoice in Sole — 3 Steps
- Create your invoice. Open Sole, tap New Invoice, add your client and line items. Sole applies your GST and payment terms automatically.
- Send it immediately. Email directly from Sole or share a payment link via SMS or WhatsApp. Don’t wait until you’re back at your desk.
- Let Sole follow up. Configure your automated reminder schedule once — Sole sends polite reminders at the intervals you set until the invoice is paid.
Payment Methods to Offer on Every Invoice
The more payment options you give a client, the faster they pay. Sole supports all of the following on a single invoice:
- Bank transfer (EFT). Your BSB and account number appear automatically on every invoice.
- Tap-to-pay in person. Accept card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly on your iPhone or Android — no terminal needed.
- Card payment via invoice link. Clients click the payment link in the invoice email and pay by card.
- Direct debit. For regular clients, authorise a direct debit once — subsequent invoices are paid automatically on the due date.
Setting Payment Terms That Actually Get You Paid
Payment terms are the due date printed on your invoice. The two most common in Australia are 14 days and 30 days. Studies consistently show that 14-day terms are paid faster than 30-day terms — a shorter window creates urgency.
In Sole, you set your default payment terms once in Settings. Every new invoice automatically carries them. You can override the terms on individual invoices for clients who’ve negotiated different arrangements.
Automated Payment Reminders
Chasing invoices manually is uncomfortable and time-consuming. Sole automates the entire reminder sequence:
- Reminder 3 days before the due date (“just a heads-up” tone)
- Reminder on the due date
- Reminder 7 days after the due date
- Escalating reminder at 14 days overdue
Each reminder includes a direct payment link so the client can pay immediately with one tap. You configure the timing once — Sole handles every invoice from that point forward.
How to Chase an Overdue Invoice
When automation isn’t enough, here’s the escalation sequence:
- Day 1 overdue: Sole’s automated reminder fires — do nothing yet.
- Day 7 overdue: If no payment, call the client directly. Keep it brief: “Hi, I noticed invoice [number] is a week overdue — is there anything I need to send you to get this sorted?”
- Day 14 overdue: Send a formal written demand via email. State the amount, invoice number, original due date, and a new payment deadline (7 days from this email).
- Day 21+ overdue: For amounts under $25,000, most states have a small claims tribunal with low filing fees. Sole stores all invoice history and timestamps — this is your evidence.
Tap-to-Pay on Your Phone — No Terminal Required
Sole’s tap-to-pay turns your phone into a contactless payment terminal. When you finish a job, open Sole, enter the amount, and your client taps their card or phone on yours. The payment is linked to the invoice automatically — no manual reconciliation needed. Works on iPhone (iOS 16+) and compatible Android devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge interest on overdue invoices in Australia?
Yes. You can charge interest on overdue invoices provided you state your right to do so in your payment terms before the work begins. The standard default interest rate in Australia is 8% per annum, but you can set a different rate in your terms. Sole’s invoice terms field lets you include this language on every invoice.
What should I do if a client refuses to pay?
Start with a written reminder, then a formal payment demand letter. If the amount is under $25,000 in most states, you can pursue it through the small claims tribunal at low cost. Keep every invoice, email, and message as evidence. Sole stores all invoice history and communication timestamps.
How do I accept card payment on my phone without a terminal?
Sole’s tap-to-pay feature turns your iPhone or Android into a contactless payment terminal. Your client taps their card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay directly on your phone. No external hardware needed. The payment is linked to the invoice automatically.
Can I set automatic payment reminders in Sole?
Yes. Sole sends automated payment reminders at intervals you configure — for example, 3 days before due, on the due date, and 7 days after. The reminders are professional and include a payment link so the client can pay immediately.
Is direct debit available for recurring clients in Sole?
Yes. Sole supports direct debit authorisation on invoices. Once a client authorises a direct debit, subsequent invoices can be paid automatically on the due date without the client needing to take any action.
