7 Simple Ways to Get Paid on Time Without Chasing Customers

Running a business in Nigeria is already a full-time hustle—you don’t need the extra stress of chasing payments on top of it.

But let’s face it: too many business owners are doing just that. You're calling customers, sending "just checking in" messages, and refreshing your banking app like it's a slot machine.

And you’re not alone. According to a PwC report, nearly half of Nigerian SMEs deal with delayed payments. That delay messes up your cash flow, slows down your operations, and keeps you in constant survival mode instead of planning for growth.

But here’s the good news: you can get paid on time without turning into a debt collector. Here are 7 simple ways to make that happen—and number 7 is a game changer.

1. Set the Rules Early

You’d be surprised how many payment delays happen because… no one was really sure when the money was due.

Fix that by setting clear payment terms from the get-go. Whether it’s an invoice for your service or fees for a school term, spell out the due date, payment methods, and (nicely) what happens if it’s late.

When people know what’s expected, they’re way more likely to pay up on time.

2. Ask for a Slice Upfront

Don’t wait till the end to collect everything. Instead, ask for part of the payment before you start.

Running a catering business? Ask for 50% before you buy the ingredients. Managing a school? Break fees into manageable installments. When customers have already put money down, they’re more committed—and less likely to ghost.

3. Let Reminders Do the Work

People forget. Life happens. Bills pile up. A little reminder can go a long way.

Instead of chasing each person one by one, set up automatic reminders through SMS, WhatsApp, or email. If you run a gym, cooperative, or subscription-based service, this is especially powerful. It’s like saying “Hey, just a heads up—your payment’s due soon” without lifting a finger.

4. Reward the Good Ones

Why not celebrate the folks who always pay on time?

Offer early payment discounts, shoutouts, or even priority service to your most reliable customers. It sets a positive tone and makes others want to earn that VIP treatment too.

Schools can offer discounts for early fee payment. Cooperatives can throw in a bonus for consistent contributors. A little incentive goes a long way.

5. Give a Little Discount for Early Birds

Everyone loves a good deal. Even a small discount can nudge people to pay sooner rather than later.

Offer 5% off for early school fees, or a slight rent discount for tenants who pay ahead. People will jump at the chance to save, and your cash flow will thank you.

6. Be (Nicely) Firm with Late Fees

On the flip side, late fees can be a gentle push in the right direction—if you handle it right.

Be upfront about any late payment penalties and give customers a fair grace period. It’s not about punishment—it’s about encouraging better habits. Just keep it respectful and consistent.

A tailor might add a daily late charge for unpaid balances. A cooperative might apply an admin fee after a certain date. The key: communicate it clearly, and stick to it politely.

7. Automate It All with PaywithAccount

Let’s be real: even with all these tips, manually managing collections is still a time-suck. That’s why we built PaywithAccount—a tool designed to take this stress off your plate completely.

With PaywithAccount, customers give you one-time permission, and we handle the rest. Recurring payments are deducted automatically—no follow-ups, no delays, no “I'll send it later.” Just smooth, reliable cash flow every time.

Whether you're running a school, a cooperative, a gym, or offering services—PaywithAccount keeps your payments on track, so you can focus on the actual business.

Final Thoughts: Less Chasing, More Growing 🚀

You didn’t start your business to become a professional payment chaser.
And now, you don’t have to be.

With the right systems and a few smart strategies (hello, PaywithAccount 👋), you can get paid on time, every time—without the stress, the follow-ups, or the awkward reminders.

Let’s make late payments a thing of the past. You’ve got better things to do—like building that empire.