💳 SYSTEM 8: Payment Management
Goal: Get paid faster, more consistently, and with less hassle by using automated payment systems.
🔍 The Outcome
Have a system that lets customers pay easily, eliminates awkward payment conversations, and reduces overdue balances — all while making you look more professional.
🚧 The Problem
Many businesses forget to invoice, wait too long to get paid, or rely on outdated payment methods. This leads to cash flow issues, customer confusion, and wasted time.
🧱 Framework:
The P.A.I.D. Payment System
1. Present Options
– Offer simple, modern payment methods.
The more convenient it is to pay you, the faster you’ll get paid. Eliminate friction by accepting multiple forms of payment.
Questions:
- What payment methods do you currently accept (card, ACH, etc.)?
______________________________________________________ - Can customers pay you online or through a link/text?
______________________________________________________ - Are your payment terms (due dates, deposits) clearly communicated?
______________________________________________________
2. Automate Invoicing
– Send and track payments automatically.
Manually chasing invoices is time-consuming and error-prone. Automation ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Questions:
- Do your invoices go out automatically after a booking or job?
______________________________________________________ - Do you send reminders for unpaid invoices?
______________________________________________________ - Can customers store their payment info for recurring services?
______________________________________________________
3. Integrate with Scheduling
– Link payments to bookings or service start.
Collect deposits or payments during the booking or onboarding process to ensure commitment and improve cash flow.
Questions:
- Do you collect a deposit or full payment before starting a job?
______________________________________________________ - Can customers pay at the time of booking or confirmation?
______________________________________________________ - Are your booking and payment systems connected (e.g., in Intent Company App (ICA))?
______________________________________________________
4. Deposit Consistently
– Predict and track incoming revenue.
Know what’s coming in and when. A predictable payment system helps you make smarter business decisions.
Questions:
- How often do you check your payment dashboard or bank deposits?
______________________________________________________ - Do you track revenue weekly or monthly?
______________________________________________________ - Are you measuring how much is owed vs. collected at any time?
______________________________________________________
🛠 Build Plan
- Set up Stripe or another payment processor inside Intent Company App (ICA)
- Create payment forms and link them to booking or onboarding flows
- Enable automatic invoice reminders
- Offer multiple payment methods (card, ACH, wallet)
- Automate follow-up for unpaid balances
- Track payments weekly and review cash flow monthly
💡 Pro Tip
Cash flow problems often aren’t marketing problems — they’re payment system problems. Make it easy, automatic, and professional.