> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://docs.downpay.app/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Understanding Balance Due Dates in Downpay # Understanding Balance Due Dates in Downpay This guide explains **what balance due dates are**, how they work in Downpay, and how to choose the right option for your business. The balance due date controls **when the remaining payment is due after a customer pays a deposit**. It is shown to customers on the storefront, saved on the order, and can be used to power **payment reminders and automated charges** using our Shopify Flow integration. If you are new to Downpay, start from the top. By the end of this guide, you should feel confident choosing the best balance due date for your goals. --- ###### On this page [What is a balance due date](#2-what-is-a-balance-due-date) [Balance due date types](#2-balance-due-date-types) * [On fulfillment](#3-on-fulfillment) * [Number of days after checkout](#3-number-of-days-after-checkout) * [On a specific date](#3-on-a-specific-date) --- ## What is a Balance Due Date When a customer pays a deposit with Downpay, the **balance due date** defines **when the remaining amount should be paid**. The balance due date is: * Displayed to customers at checkout, post checkout and in email templates like order confirmation and invoice. The wording that is displayed can be customized using our [guide](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/modify-date-and-content-display-about-deposits-on-your-theme-13dgsid/). * Stored on the Shopify order * Available for automation using Shopify Flow * Used to trigger payment reminders or balance charges Downpay does not automatically decide when to charge customers. Instead, the balance due date acts as a **source of truth** that you can use to build the right workflow for your business. ||| Once a purchase option is saved, the balance due date type cannot be changed. If you need a different due date type, create a new purchase option. || If a balance due date passes, you are not prevented from [collecting payment at a later date](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/frequently-asked-questions-1xa7oo6/#2-can-i-still-collect-payment-if-i-dont-authorize-and-charge-it-by-an-orders-due-date) from the card on file. --- [Jump to top](#6-on-this-page) ## Balance Due Date Types Downpay offers three balance due date types. Each is designed for a different kind of sales flow. We generally recommend: * **On fulfillment** when timelines are unknown or flexible * **Number of days after checkout** for consistent, predictable lead times * **On a specific date** for launches, preorders, or bookings with a known date Below is a detailed breakdown of each option and when to use it. --- [Jump to top](#6-on-this-page) ### On Fulfillment || This due date type is not available to merchants on legacy plans. The balance is due when the order is fulfilled in Shopify. **Best for** * Unknown or variable timelines * Made to order or custom products * Orders that are only ready once work is complete This option works well when you do not know the delivery date at checkout. **Things to know** * Default language for all pages for the balance due date will read `On fulfillment`. To adjust this wording, refer to our [content editing guide](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/modify-date-and-content-display-about-deposits-on-your-theme-13dgsid/). * Workflow Automation: This option pairs well with Shopify Flow triggers based on fulfillment events or the Wait action being used after a Downpay order is created to take actions like sending an invoice, reminders or collecting payment. * There is no due date on an order. Instead, the status of the balance is listed as `On fulfillment`. * You control whether and when the balance is charged using our [Flow Integration](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/) feature, [bulk payment collection](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/payment-authorization-or-collection-kk9ihv/#2-collect-or-authorize-payment-in-bulk) feature or [manual collection](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/payment-authorization-or-collection-kk9ihv/#2-collect-payment-per-order) per order. ### Number of Days After Checkout The balance is due a fixed number of days after the order is placed. **Best for** * Predictable production timelines * Custom or made to order products with consistent lead times * Businesses that want the same rule applied to every order For example, if you set the balance due to 30 days after checkout, every order using that purchase option will have the same due date logic. **Things to know** * The due date is calculated at checkout and differs for each customer depending on when they order. It will read for example `Due April 6th, 2026`. To adjust this wording, refer to our [content editing guide](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/modify-date-and-content-display-about-deposits-on-your-theme-13dgsid/). * Workflow Automation: This option pairs well with Shopify Flow triggers based on [due dates](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/#2-payment-due-in) or the Downpay [daily ticker trigger](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/#3-payment-due-daily-ticker). * The due date is saved on the order. The due date can be changed manually from the order page or with the Downpay Shopify Flow [Update due date action](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/#2-update-order-due-date). ### On a Specific Date The balance is due on a calendar date that you choose. **Best for** * Preorders & product launches * Backorders * Product launches * Workshops, events, or travel with specific date availability * Any scenario with a known delivery or release date This option gives customers clear expectations upfront. **Things to know** * The due date is calculated at checkout and is the same for all customers. It will read for example `Due April 6th, 2026`. To adjust this wording, refer to our [content editing guide](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/modify-date-and-content-display-about-deposits-on-your-theme-13dgsid/). * All orders using this purchase option share the same due date * This option is ideal for coordinated launches or batch fulfillment * If the date changes, a new purchase option is required * This option pairs well with scheduled reminders and charges using Flow --- [Jump to top](#6-on-this-page) ## Using Balance Due Dates with Automation Balance due dates become especially powerful when combined with our Shopify Flow Integration. Using Downpay's Shopify Flow Integration, you can: * Send reminder emails before the balance is due * Automatically charge the payment method on file * Trigger internal workflows and more The balance due date determines **which Flow triggers make the most sense**, so choosing the right type upfront is important. [Learn more](https://docs.downpay.app/en/article/using-shopify-flow-with-downpay-u2eu3f/) about our Flow integration. If you are unsure which balance due date is best for your use case, reach out to us. We are happy to help you choose the option that fits your sales flow today and scales with your business tomorrow. [Jump to top](#6-on-this-page)