Why Waiting to Get Paid Kills Momentum

Cycle of Frustration

You’ve done the work. Your crew has moved on. The invoice? Approved. But the payment? Still weeks, or even months, away.

If you’re a subcontractor, this cycle is frustratingly familiar. Long general contractor pay cycles aren’t just inconvenient, they’re throttling your growth, limiting opportunities, and making payroll a high-stress guessing game.

The Harsh Reality of Subcontractor Payment Delays

In construction, it’s standard for subcontractors to wait 60 to 90 days (or longer) to get paid...even after an invoice is approved.

• More than 80% of contractors regularly face slow payments according to the 2022 Construction Cash Flow Report by Levelset.

• The average payment time in construction is 74 days, which makes it the slowest-paying industry in the U.S. (PwC Working Capital Report).

• Poor cash flow is among the top reasons small businesses struggle to grow or survive, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

That’s months of capital trapped in receivables, while payroll, suppliers, and project costs demand immediate payment.

Real Consequences of Cash Flow Gaps

• Payroll Stress: Crews expect weekly pay. Lagging cash flow puts workforce trust and retention at risk, as highlighted by the Associated General Contractors of America.

• Stalled Growth: Without liquid capital, investing in equipment, technology, or expanding crews isn’t feasible.

• Missed Opportunities: Many projects require upfront funding; if your money is tied up, you may be forced to decline jobs.

This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a barrier to scaling your business.

The Cost of Waiting to Get Paid

When receivables are locked up, the ripple effects spread everywhere: postponed equipment upgrades, difficulty hiring, and riskier vendor relationships.

The Strategic Setback of Delayed Payments

In today’s competitive environment, and with a nationwide labor shortage (Construction Dive), not having immediate access to working capital leaves subcontractors vulnerable to losing out on bids and growth opportunities.

The Smart Solution: Get Paid in 24–48 Hours

with Constrafor’s Early Pay Program 

Instead of waiting months, Constrafor allows you to convert approved invoices into cash within hours.

Here’s how it works:

1. Submit your approved invoice through Constrafor

2. Get paid directly in 1–2 business days

3. Your General Contractor pays on their regular schedule, Constrafor fronts the capital

You unlock liquidity immediately without jeopardizing your General Contractor relationship or adding debt to your books.

Ready to take control of your cash flow?