3 smarter ways to get paid: How payment automation can eliminate AR for good
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Key takeaways
- Automating payment collection is the fastest path to improving cash flow.
- Ignition offers three flexible payment workflows designed to suit different client scenarios.
- Proposal-to-payment automation removes manual invoicing and collections while ensuring client payment details are secured from the start.
- Self-serve invoice payments provide a convenient alternative for one-off or ad hoc services.
- Importing unpaid invoices makes it easy to collect on existing A/R while transitioning your billing process.
Payments don’t have to be a pain
If you’re running a professional services business, getting paid shouldn’t be the hardest part of the job, but for many, it still is. Chasing late payments, sending follow-up emails, and manually reconciling invoices—it adds up quickly and drains valuable time.
At Ignition, we’ve worked with thousands of service-based businesses that share the same pain: they want to streamline how they get paid without losing flexibility. That’s why we offer three distinct payment workflows that help you take control of your cash flow, reduce manual effort, and deliver a better client experience.
Let’s break down how they work—and when to use each one.
1. Proposal-to-payment automation: Secure revenue from day one
Think of this as your ideal scenario: a new client signs a proposal and enters their payment details in one seamless step. From that moment, the billing process runs itself.
With Ignition’s proposal-to-payment automation, you can embed payment details right into your agreements. Once signed, payments are scheduled, automatically collected via your client’s chosen method (credit card, ACH, or direct debit), and invoices marked as paid, no manual chasing needed.
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When to use it
- New client onboarding
- Annual contract renewals Retainer work or fixed-fee services
Why it works
- Eliminates follow-ups and late payments
- Builds payment terms directly into the agreement
- Ensures cash is collected before work begins
- Creates a smooth client payment experience
Bonus tip:
Use Ignition’s Instant Bill to charge for out-of-scope or one-off work outside of the agreement You can instantly bill using the payment method already on file.
2. Invoice payments with secure payment links
Sometimes clients aren’t ready to pre-approve payments, while others prefer to review an invoice before paying. Perhaps your client isn’t comfortable providing upfront payment details, so invoicing first becomes a requirement in your payment processes. That’s where invoice payments come in.
With invoice payments, you can send a secure payment link—either via email or directly—allowing clients to pay an invoice online. Ignition lets you send a secure online payment link directly to clients, giving them the flexibility to pay after an invoice is sent (while encouraging them to save their payment details for future use). This approach works well for businesses that need more flexibility in billing, or clients who prefer to approve charges before payment.
When to use it
- One-off or completion-based services
- Out-of-scope work not included in the initial proposal
- Clients who prefer invoice review before payment
Why it works
- Online payment links create a smooth, secure experience
- Clients can optionally save payment methods for future automation
- Reduces friction while offering an easy path to automation
Want to see how these workflows actually work in Ignition?
3. Invoice import: Catch up on outstanding AR without starting from scratch
Change can be daunting, but the good news is you don’t need to overhaul your entire billing process overnight to see improvements. If you’re transitioning to Ignition—or just want to recover unpaid revenue— you can import existing unpaid invoices from platforms like Xero, QuickBooks Online, CCH Axcess, Practice CS or Onvio (coming soon), and invite clients to pay securely online, without needing to create proposals.
It’s an ideal way to recover revenue while maintaining your existing billing process.
When to use it
- You’re new to Ignition with legacy A/R
- Your firm invoices outside of Ignition through other tools
- You manage time-based or project billing separately
Why it works
- Speeds up recovery of unpaid invoices
- Maintains your current invoicing structure
- Centralizes collections in one platform
The future of payments is flexible and automated
No two clients are the same, and neither are your billing workflows. That’s why Ignition gives you multiple ways to get paid. Whether you're just starting to streamline your payments process or scaling your business operations, the right workflow makes all the difference.
You don’t have to settle for late payments, outdated systems, or endless client follow-ups. With Ignition, you can build payment automation into your client agreements, while also having the flexibility to maintain current billing processes. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about protecting your revenue, improving cash flow, and freeing your team from time-consuming admin.
Ready to take control of your cash flow?
The longer you wait to automate payments, the more time and revenue you risk losing.
Ignition helps you eliminate accounts receivable, automate admin, and give clients a better payment experience. And with three flexible workflows to choose from, you can start small—or go all in.
Start now. See how Ignition’s payments engine works for your business.
→ Explore payment automation
