How long to pay an invoice.

[Proudofeveryone]

I volunteer for a community social club.
One of our new contracts sent their invoice at 9.36PM last night.
At 3.15pm today I was sent a reminder.
I paid it at 6pm and have just received an email saying that they were disappointed
it wasn't paid last night.
The terms and conditions state we have 28 days to pay. Unfortunately a contract has been signed by the committee or id suggest going to another company.
We don't mind paying but give us a chance.

It will be a different amount each month so can't set up a direct debit.

The mind boggles. Presumably this wasn’t a replacement invoice for one they’d already sent (clutching at straws here).

@DelurkingAJ this was the first time. Only signed the contract 23-8-24.

I would contact them explain you are confused by their disappointment as the payment terms are 28 days. Either there has been some confusion or they are idiots either way at least this way they are on notice that you know what the payment terms are and won't be pressured into paying immediately in future.

I’d go out to tender and replace whatever service they offer.

@Littletreefrog that was my reply and a copy of the terms.

As it happens any invoices come to my phone via the club email address.
It's so I don't miss anything.

Are the 28 days in the contractor's sale terms or the social club's purchase terms?

@NigelHarmansNewWife it's states 28 days for the contractors terms.

Okay - so the contractor's terms state invoices must be paid within 28 days. Have they invoiced late and there's some misunderstanding. Seems bizarre.

I think I'd message them saying that, depending on your circumstances, you cannot guarantee to pay in less than 24 hours going forward and giving them the opportunity to release themselves from the contract if that is going to be an issue

I'd think within 1 week is a very prompt effort (within 24 hours is exceptional) to pay something but any time within the due date is fine.
Unless it was a complete mix-up, I'd be a little concerned about their financial situation that they're needing bills paid so urgently. They might be desperate for money and on the brink of going under.

Yes. This. In the future though, frankly, I’d be paying exactly end of day on day 27 just to make a point.

I would do the same! (Petty I know)