Is payment terms (net period) normal in a consulting agreement?

Net 15-30 is standard for a consulting agreement. Anything longer than net 45 meaningfully hurts a small vendor and is worth negotiating down, along with making sure the payment clock starts at the invoice date, not at 'acceptance'.

What’s market-standard

Net 15 to net 30 for freelancers and small agencies. Net 45-60 appears with larger clients but should be pushed back on. Net 90 is a red flag for a small vendor's cash flow.

Warning signs

• Net 60 or longer
• Payment clock starts on 'approval' rather than invoice date
• Client may withhold the entire invoice over a dispute about one line item
• No stated due date at all

Wording you can send

Invoices are due within fifteen (15) days of the invoice date. Payment is not contingent on any approval, and the Client may withhold only the specific disputed amount, not the entire invoice.

What it means for you

How long the client has to pay after you invoice. 'Net 30' means 30 days. Longer periods are effectively an interest-free loan from you to the client, and they compound when combined with slow approval cycles.

Not legal advice. Gig Clause is software, not a law firm or a professional service, no attorney reviews, drafts, or is otherwise involved in anything it produces. It automatically highlights common contract issues and suggests negotiation language. Using it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For decisions with significant financial or legal consequences, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Clause standards vary by industry and location and change over time.