Maksejärgse

Maksejärgse is a term used in Estonian business and finance to describe a payment arrangement where the customer is billed after goods or services have been provided, rather than paying upfront. It is commonly employed in sectors such as utilities, telecommunications, software and online services, and in business-to-business contracts.

The concept is typically implemented through invoices issued at regular intervals, for example monthly or quarterly, with agreed payment terms (such as net 14 or net 30 days). Customers may obtain a credit limit or credit line, and providers may perform credit assessments to determine eligibility. In some cases, service usage or delivery is contingent on acceptable credit terms, and security measures such as deposits or guarantees may be required.

Compared to ettemakse (prepayment), maksejärgne arrangements shift the payment risk to the supplier and can improve the buyer’s cash flow by delaying payment. However, they also increase the supplier’s exposure to bad debts and may require more robust credit management, credit checks, and collection processes.

Late payments are often subject to penalties or interest, depending on contractual terms and applicable law. Transparent invoicing, clear terms of payment, and reasonable dispute resolution mechanisms help maintain trust in maksejärgne arrangements. Regulators in Estonia and the broader European Union emphasize consumer rights, fair contracting, data protection, and responsible lending in postpaid agreements.

See also: ettemakse, krediit, tarbijakaitse.