> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.zulma.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Commercial billing & payment terms
> How commercial cleaning is billed. First month at start, a deposit returned as credit, monthly charges, invoicing terms, and what happens if an invoice runs late.
Commercial billing is simple and predictable. You start with one month plus a one-month deposit, then settle into a single monthly charge. Larger, established accounts can apply to pay by invoice. Here's exactly how it works.
Zulma isn't charging sales tax during launch. Your commercial invoices currently show no sales tax, so the number you see is the number you pay.
## What you pay at the start
When your cleaning service begins, two things happen on your card:
The first month of service is charged when cleaning starts.
A deposit equal to one month is held on your card. It is **held, not charged**. Think of it as a security hold that sits in the background.
At the end of your contract, if there's nothing outstanding, the deposit is **returned to you as Zulma credit**. Yours to apply to future cleans.
The deposit is held securely through Stripe. Zulma never sees your full card number.
## Your monthly charge
After the first month, you're billed a single recurring monthly charge for your service. No per-visit invoices to chase, no surprises. One predictable amount each month based on your tier, square footage, and contract length.
Your exact monthly figure depends on the tier and contract term you choose. See [service tiers](/commercial/service-tiers) for what each tier includes, or run the numbers on the [commercial calculator](https://app.zulma.ca/commercial/pricing). For an exact, written figure, [get a quote](/commercial/getting-a-quote). A real person sends one back, typically within 24 business hours.
## Paying by invoice (qualifying accounts)
By default, every account pays automatically on card. Established accounts that bill at scale can apply for invoicing terms instead.
| Your monthly spend | History needed | Terms |
| ------------------ | ----------------------- | -------------------------- |
| Under \$5,000/mo | None | Auto-pay on card (default) |
| \$5,000+/mo | 6 months clean history | Net 15 |
| \$10,000+/mo | 12 months clean history | Net 30 |
| \$25,000+/mo | By arrangement | Net 45 (negotiable) |
Cash is not accepted. All payments run on card or, for qualifying accounts, by invoice on the terms above.
To ask about invoicing, reach out at `business@zulma.ca` and we'll confirm whether your account qualifies.
## If an invoice runs late
On invoiced terms, the bill is due by the date on the invoice (Net 15, 30, or 45). If a payment slips past due, here's exactly what to expect. Nothing is hidden, and a quick reply at any step resets the clock.
| When | What happens |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Day 1 past due | A friendly reminder lands in your inbox. |
| Day 7 past due | A second notice goes out. |
| Day 14 past due | A late fee is added: the **greater of \$50 or 1.5%** of the outstanding balance. |
| Day 30 past due | Service **auto-suspends** until the balance is settled. |
| Day 45 past due | The contract may be **terminated for cause**. |
Most late invoices are simple oversights. If a payment is going to be late, email `business@zulma.ca` before day 14 and we'll work it out. We would much rather keep cleaning than add a fee.
This schedule applies to accounts on invoicing terms. Accounts on card auto-pay are charged automatically each cycle, so there's nothing to fall behind on.
## Switching or cancelling a tier
You're never locked into the wrong level of service. To move up or down a tier, give **14 days' notice**. We reprice to the new tier and prorate the difference, **no new contract required**.
Most accounts pick the Professional tier and stay there, but if your needs change seasonally, switching is meant to be easy. Just give us two weeks.
For ending a contract, notice periods and any early-termination terms by contract length, see [contracts](/commercial/contracts).
## If something isn't right
Commercial contracts run on their own terms, separate from the residential cancellation tiers. If a clean falls short, tell us and we'll make it right with a re-clean or a Zulma credit. We work credits-first, not cash refunds.
## Questions about your bill
Email `business@zulma.ca` for anything billing- or contract-related. We reply to most messages within one business day, and pre-quote questions are answered the same business day.
Contract lengths, discounts, notice periods, and how the deposit returns as credit.
Turn the calculator estimate into an exact, written quote.