"We pay Net 60." If you've done brand deals, you've seen this. But what does it actually mean, and how do you avoid waiting months for money you've already earned?

What Net terms mean

Net 30 means the brand will pay within 30 days of receiving your invoice. Net 60 means 60 days. Net 90 means you're waiting three months.

The clock starts when you submit the invoice, not when you post the content. If you deliver content on January 1 and invoice on January 15, Net 30 means payment by February 14.

Why brands pay slowly

Large companies have accounting departments with set payment cycles. They batch payments, often monthly. Net 30-60 isn't personal — it's just how corporate finance works.

Smaller brands and agencies sometimes use longer terms because they're managing cash flow, waiting for their clients to pay them, or just poorly organized.

Standard terms by brand type

Direct brand deals with large companies: Net 30-45 is standard
Through agencies: Net 60-90 is common (the agency waits for the brand to pay them)
Small/startup brands: Often faster, sometimes immediate
Influencer platforms: Varies wildly, read the fine print

How to protect yourself

1. Negotiate upfront

Before signing, ask about payment terms. If Net 60 doesn't work for your cash flow, say so. Some brands will do Net 30 or even faster for smaller amounts.

2. Invoice immediately

The clock doesn't start until you invoice. Send your invoice the day content goes live, with all required information:

Your name and contact info
Brand name and PO number (if provided)
Amount due
Payment terms
Bank details or payment method

3. Build in a buffer

If you know a brand pays Net 60, factor that into your rate. Getting $1,000 in 60 days is worth less than $1,000 today. Some creators add 5-10% for slow-pay brands.

4. Use milestones for large deals

For deals over $2,000-3,000, ask for split payments: 50% upfront (on contract signing), 50% on completion. This reduces your risk and improves cash flow.

5. Follow up professionally

If payment is late:

Day 3-5: Friendly check-in ("Just confirming you received my invoice")
Day 10-14: Firmer follow-up ("Invoice is now X days overdue")
Day 30+: Escalate to a manager or explore other options

Red flags

No clear payment terms in the contract
"We'll pay when we can"
Net 90+ for standard deals
Brand history of late payments (ask other creators)

Cash flow reality

Most creators starting out can't afford to have thousands tied up in unpaid invoices. Be realistic about which deals you can take based on payment timing, not just amount.

A $500 deal that pays in 7 days might be better for your business than a $1,000 deal that pays in 90.

Payment Terms Explained: Net 30, Net 60