Construction is one of the few industries that still rely heavily on physical checks. It's time for a change. Construction businesses waited an average of 83 days to get paid after sending an invoice. That’s unacceptable! If you’re tired of waiting for paper checks, consider asking your clients for a different payment method.

Here are some alternatives that can speed up your cash flow.

There are plenty of reasons why construction payments take so long. Sometimes, it’s a legitimate issue like a disputed invoice or missing paperwork. But often, the delay is simply due to the slow, outdated process of paper checks.

Compared to electronic payments, checks are time-consuming and prone to errors. They can get lost in the mail or require multiple hands before they're processed.

One payment method unique to construction is the joint check. It involves signatures from both the general contractor and subcontractor. While it offers some protection for subs, it can still be slow.

There are better options available. Direct deposit, wire transfers, and credit cards offer faster payment times. Even peer-to-peer payment apps can be useful for smaller invoices.

While these methods come with processing fees, the benefits often outweigh the costs. Plus, you can pass along credit card fees to customers in most states.

To speed up payments even more, consider offering early payment discounts or charging late fees. You can also explore invoice factoring as a way to get cash upfront.

And remember, always protect your rights with mechanics liens. This powerful tool can help ensure you get paid.

The bottom line is, you deserve to be paid on time. It’s time to ditch the paper checks and embrace modern payment methods.