The need for flexibility in payment methods is more important than ever, especially for B2B businesses, custom orders, and high-ticket products. One of the most requested features by both merchants and customers is the ability to place an order without paying upfront. While this sounds simple, implementing a smooth and reliable pay-later system can come with a range of challenges. That’s where the Shopify Invoice Payment App, such as INV – Invoice Payment Method, steps in to bridge the gap.
The Pay-Later Problem in eCommerce
For many online stores, especially those catering to business clients, large orders, or customized products, customers may not be ready or able to pay immediately. Common reasons include:
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Waiting on internal approvals or budget confirmation
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Requiring a formal invoice for processing
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Needing time to review shipping or customization details
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Preferring offline payment methods like bank transfer or check
However, the default Shopify checkout process doesn’t support this type of deferred payment. If a customer cannot pay immediately, the order is not placed, resulting in lost opportunities and frustrated buyers.
The Solution: Shopify Invoice Payment App
Apps like Shopify Invoice Payment Method solve this issue by introducing an “Invoice Payment” option at checkout. Instead of forcing the buyer to complete payment immediately, they can choose to submit the order with the promise of paying later. The merchant can then review, approve, and send a formal invoice when ready.
Here’s how this approach addresses key challenges:
1. Enables Order Placement Without Upfront Payment
The biggest obstacle to pay-later workflows is the inability to capture an order without capturing payment. With the Shopify Invoice Payment App, you can allow customers to finalize their cart, enter shipping details, and place the order without paying upfront, keeping the sales process alive while payment is handled manually.
2. Improves B2B Workflow Compatibility
Many business customers need to receive an invoice, forward it to their finance team, and process it internally before issuing payment. The app supports this by letting you generate and send a customizable PDF invoice after the order is placed. You can even configure rules so that only wholesale customers or tagged users can see this payment method.
3. Allows Payment Flexibility
Invoice payments aren’t limited to credit card transactions. Many customers—especially international buyers—prefer offline payment methods such as:
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Wire transfers
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ACH
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Checks
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Local gateways are not supported by Shopify
The app gives you room to provide payment instructions during the invoice phase and track those payments manually once received.
4. Reduces Friction for Custom Orders
Stores that offer made-to-order or highly customized products often face delays in final pricing or fulfillment decisions. The Invoice Payment Method app allows merchants to confirm designs, shipping fees, or stock availability before requesting payment, minimizing refunds or order changes down the line.
Final Thoughts
Shopify’s Invoice Payment App provides a professional, controlled, and flexible way to manage pay-later transactions. By resolving issues of timing, documentation, and payment method flexibility, it empowers merchants to capture more orders while keeping customer expectations intact. If you’re dealing with B2B sales, large orders, or customization, this app is a must-have tool to streamline your checkout and boost conversions.
