The Best Way to Accept Payments When You’re Just Getting Started

You’ve got your first few power washing jobs lined up. Your equipment is ready. You’ve practiced your technique. But there’s one small (but vital) question that many new business owners overlook until the last minute:

How are you going to get paid? 💰

In today’s market, customers expect options—fast, secure, and convenient ways to pay. Whether you’re working a $100 driveway or a $1,000 commercial contract, how you accept payments affects not only your cash flow but your reputation.

Let’s break down the best ways to accept payments when you’re just getting started as a solo power washer—without needing an accountant or fancy invoicing software.

💡 Why It Matters More Than You Think

Accepting payment isn’t just about getting your money. It’s also about:

📈 Looking professional and trustworthy
⏱️ Getting paid faster and with fewer hassles
💼 Creating records for tax and legal purposes
🧠 Reducing the risk of bounced checks or forgotten payments

The smoother your process, the better the client experience—and the less time you spend chasing money.

✅ 1. Cash – Simple, But Risky

🟢 Pros:

Instant payment
No processing fees
No setup needed

🔴 Cons:

Not trackable for taxes
Easy to misplace or lose
Not preferred by many customers

💡 Tip: Always provide a written or digital receipt when accepting cash. Use a carbon-copy invoice pad or a receipt app like TinyInvoice.

✅ 2. Venmo Business or Zelle – Fast and Familiar

Most customers—especially homeowners—are familiar with these platforms.

🟢 Pros:

Fast and easy for the client
Zero or low fees (especially Zelle)
Great for solo or residential jobs

🔴 Cons:

Not as professional as card readers
Can create accounting confusion
Some platforms limit monthly volume

🧠 Pro Tip: Use Venmo Business, not personal, so you comply with tax and usage policies. It also gives you access to receipts, itemization, and a business QR code.

✅ 3. Square or Stripe – Swipe, Tap, or Invoice

If you want to accept debit or credit cards in person—or send professional invoices—these are two of the best tools.

💳 Square Reader:

Small card reader plugs into your phone
Charges ~2.6% per transaction
Works offline (for later syncing)
Lets you send invoices or receipts instantly
Tracks sales for taxes and business metrics

🌐 Stripe:

Great for online payments
Integrates with websites, booking forms, etc.
Ideal for recurring clients or contracts

🧠 Even if you’re just starting, having a card reader makes you look more legit and removes friction for your customer.

Browse Payment Processing Terminals On Amazon Here

✅ 4. Checks – Old-School, But Still Useful

While fewer customers use checks today, you might run into this with:

Older homeowners
HOAs or property managers
Commercial clients

🟢 Pros:

Easy to deposit via mobile apps
No processing fees
Useful for large jobs

🔴 Cons:

Can bounce or be written incorrectly
Takes longer to clear
Adds manual steps to your recordkeeping

📌 Always verify client details and amounts before leaving the job site.

✅ 5. Cash App – Popular, But Not Always Ideal

Cash App is gaining popularity, but it’s less business-friendly than other options.

🟢 Pros:

Fast and convenient for some clients
Simple to set up

🔴 Cons:

Doesn’t offer detailed business tools
Limited reporting
Not accepted by all demographics

Use it only if your customer prefers it—don’t make it your primary option.

💬 “What If I Want to Go All-Digital?”

If you want to skip the old-school methods entirely and look modern right from day one, here’s your minimal viable setup:

Square Reader for in-person payments 💳
Venmo Business for digital payments 📲
Google Sheets or QuickBooks to track transactions 📊
Google Voice number for payment-related communication 📞
Canva invoice template for custom receipts 🧾

This combo keeps costs low, requires no website, and still makes you look sharp and professional.

Browse Digital Payment Processing Solutions On Amazon Here

🚫 Avoid These Payment Mistakes

Here are a few common payment pitfalls new power washers make (and how to avoid them):

Not discussing payment terms before the job
- 🧠 Always agree on price and payment method up front.
Only offering one way to pay
- 📌 Provide at least two options (e.g., card + Venmo).
Waiting days to send an invoice
- ✅ Send it immediately when the job is done—while the results are fresh.
Not tracking payments for taxes
- 📊 Keep digital or paper records of every transaction.
Not following up on unpaid invoices
- 💬 Set a reminder to follow up within 48–72 hours if unpaid.

📈 Getting Paid Faster: Bonus Tips

🧾 Offer incentives for same-day payment
→ “Pay today and get 10% off your next cleaning.”
🧼 Upsell during payment
→ “Would you like me to add your sidewalk for just $25 more?”
📸 Take before-and-after photos
→ Show results before asking for payment—it boosts perceived value.
📱 Use QR codes
→ Print a QR code to Venmo or Square and place it on your invoices or even your shirt or truck magnet.

🧠 Final Thoughts

In the power washing business, speed and simplicity matter—especially when it comes to getting paid. Your customers will appreciate an easy payment experience just as much as they’ll appreciate a clean driveway.

Whether you’re accepting cash, Venmo, or card swipes, make sure your payment method is: