When the proposal is signed
Turn the project fee into a deposit and monthly installments. No spreadsheet, no mental math.
Payment plans for services
Take the deposit. Collect the rest on schedule.
Agencies, studios, photographers, event pros and contractors often book work months ahead. Agree a deposit and an installment schedule with the client, invoice each payment through Stripe, and always know what’s left.
Stripe collection is in a sandbox pilot. No live payments yet.
Fictional example · Brand identity project
$9,000Agreed total
$3,000Deposit
6 × $1,000Monthly
| Due | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | $3,000 | Paid |
| Feb 1 | $1,000 | Paid |
| Mar 1 | $1,000 | Invoice open |
| Apr 1 | $1,000 | Scheduled |
| 3 more installments | $3,000 | Scheduled |
| Paid | $4,000 | |
| Remaining balance | $5,000 | |
The customer accepted this schedule. Each installment is paid on Stripe.
Where Cadence helps
The moments a plan gets offered, accepted and paid off.
Before work begins
The client accepts the exact payment schedule through a private link, so expectations are set before the first invoice.
While the project runs
Issue each installment as a Stripe invoice. The balance updates only when Stripe confirms the payment.
Is it a fit?
Good fit
- Projects or bookings from a few thousand dollars up
- A deposit up front, then regular payments
- You invoice through Stripe today
- Clients who ask, “Can I spread this out?”
Probably not
- Hourly billing that changes every month
- Milestone payments tied to deliverable sign-off rather than dates (dated schedules only today)
- Consumer financing for large purchases such as home renovations
Questions
How do I offer a payment plan for my services?
Decide the deposit and number of installments, put the terms in writing, get the client’s agreement and invoice each installment when it’s due. Cadence handles the schedule, the acceptance and the invoices.
Should I charge more for a payment plan?
Some businesses add a small plan fee or offer a pay-in-full discount. Whatever you choose, include it in the agreed total so the schedule and the agreement match.
Can I change a client’s schedule later?
On draft plans, yes: preview the new schedule next to the old one before applying it. Changing a plan the client has already accepted, with their fresh consent, is planned.
Does Cadence work for contractors?
If you invoice clients through Stripe and agree dated installments, yes. Cadence is not consumer financing and does not lend money.
Offer the plan. Know the balance.
Stripe collection is in a sandbox pilot. No live payments yet.