You dried the house, pulled the equipment and the customer is happy. The job isn’t done until the money is in your account. A lot of new restoration businesses do great work and still struggle, because invoices sit for 60 or 90 days and nobody chases them.

Collections start on the first call

Getting paid starts before the job does. Confirm who’s paying, whether it’s insurance or direct pay, and put the scope and payment terms in writing before work begins. Clear expectations up front prevent most payment problems later.

Send a clean invoice, fast

Invoice as soon as the job is complete, while it’s fresh for everyone. A strong invoice is clear and matches the agreed scope, and it’s backed by your photos, moisture readings and drying logs. When the documentation is attached, there’s less to argue about.

Follow up on a schedule

Don’t wait and hope. Put every unpaid invoice on a follow-up schedule at 30, 60 and 90 days, and actually make the calls. Be polite, be consistent, and keep a record of every contact. Most invoices that go unpaid aren’t disputed. They’re just forgotten.

Know where your money is

Keep a simple list of everything you’re owed: who, how much, when you invoiced, and when you last followed up. Check it every week. If you don’t know who owes you money, you can’t collect it.

Handle pushback with evidence

If an adjuster or customer questions a charge, don’t argue. Show the readings, photos and logs that support it. Evidence settles more disputes than raising your voice ever will.

Build the system once

Module 5 of the 6-Figure Launchpad covers invoicing and collections, including the 30-60-90 follow-up system and AR tracking, and Module 8 includes ready-to-use invoice templates. Set it up once, and you’ll always know where your money is.

Keep reading: How Plumbers Can Make Six Figures With Water Damage Jobs · Water Restoration as a Side Business for HVAC Techs

General information, not legal or financial advice.