Invoicing 101
Picture this: you’ve worked incredibly hard to provide your goods/services to a new customer and it’s time to get PAID... but you aren’t 100% sure how to create a professional invoice.
Welcome to Invoicing 101!
There is a right way (and several wrong ways) to invoice your clients. The last thing you want to do is send a confusing invoice that leaves your customer unsure of how much, when, or how to pay you. I’ve prepared this guide to teach you how to send clear invoices that help you get paid on time (and in full) more often!
Ready to learn the ins & outs of invoicing? Keep reading!
Does my business even need to invoice?
A good rule of thumb is that if you’re delivering goods/services BEFORE payment, you probably need to invoice your clients.
If you own a business, like a brick-and-mortar store or a restaurant, where payment is accepted at the time of the transaction, you will generally provide a receipt for your customers instead of an invoice.
To save time while invoicing, create a general invoice template that has all of your company information, logo, and preferred payment methods ready to go.
Tips for Dealing With Unpaid Invoices
Unfortunately, overdue invoices are a normal part of doing business. Here are some tips for following up:
As a busy business owner, you understand that things can fall through the cracks. On your first follow-up, it’s best to assume that that’s what’s happened with your unpaid invoice! Send a gentle reminder to confirm that your initial invoice was received and include a copy for convenience.
If your invoice still hasn’t been paid, it’s time for a more straightforward follow-up. Remind your client of the due date, your late payment policy, and any other contract obligations that you agreed upon. If you are continuing to do work for this client, it may be time to stop working until you’re paid.