“30 Days” Can mean a lot of things….

For instance – 

When does the clock start ticking ? Is it ….

▻ Date of Invoice

▻ Delivery of Service

▻ Client’s receipt of Invoice

Unless your engagement letter or contract specifies otherwise – the statutory default is 30 dqays from the later of:-

  • The date the Client received the invoice, or
  • The date the goods or services are delivered

However –

When a business hears “30 days”, they can interpret it as:-

⟫ 30 calendar days from invoice –  the ideal (but ensure it is calendar days not business days!)

⟫ 30 days end of month (EOM) – Invoice dated 3rd August, payment due 30th September

⟫ 30 days after internal approval – which may not happen for weeks

⟫ 30 days from the next payment run – which could be monthly or even quarterly

⟫ Or worse …… “Whenever we feel like it”

And if you didn’t expressly include your terms at the right time, the law might back them, not you.

Big clients, in particular, can stretch payment terms under the guise of process or policy. And many small businesses simply accept it.

The Legal Position

Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, if no payment terms are properly agreed, the law says you should be paid within 30 calendar days from:

  • the delivery of goods/services, or
  • the date the invoice is received —
    whichever is later.

But here’s the catch:

If your client has their own terms and you haven’t properly incorporated yours, theirs will likely take precedence.

That means:-

❌ Delayed payment

❌ No Statutory Interest

❌ No Late Payment fees

❌ No leverage

Terms and Conditions Consultation – Lane & Co. Solicitors

We help Businesses get paid  – On their Terms

At Lane & Co Solicitors, we are professional specialists in B2B debt recovery – we can

✅ Draft rock solid payment terms that protect you

✅ Ensure those terms are properly incorporated into contracts, quotes and engagement letters

✅ Pursue overdue invoices swiftly and legally

✅ Enforce interest and compensation under the law

Bottom Line: Clarity Beats Ambiguity

“30 days” should mean 30 days. Not 30 days after month-end. Not 30 days after approval. Not “whenever our accounts team gets around to it.”

As a business, you’re entitled to be paid on time—and the law is on your side. Make your payment terms clear, stick to them, and hold your clients accountable.

Because waiting to get paid isn’t just frustrating—it’s bad business.

We can help!