Are you starting a business that offers a variety of services to other businesses? Will you need to put together a sample invoice to send to your clients?
Believe it or not, many businesses have trouble with invoices going unpaid. There are a variety of ways that you can try to fix the problem, but a strong invoice design can help to prevent the problem from the get-go.
So, how can you put together a sample invoice that will ensure timely payments from every client?
Read on for our tips for putting together invoice samples.
Brand Your Invoice and Make It Personal
When a client receives your invoice in their inbox or in the mail, they should know who it’s from and what it’s for right away. That means that you should brand your invoice by including your logo and full company name.
You should also leave room for personalization on your sample invoice. You can do this by putting a “To:” line near the top of the invoice where you can insert the client’s name.
Leave Plenty of Space for Itemization
What causes clients to dispute an invoice? Most of the time, it comes down to not understanding why you’re charging the amount that you’re charging.
In your sample invoice, create a grid for itemization. In the far left column, you can list the specific service you’ve provided and in the far right column, you can list the price for that service. If you charge by the hour, you can use a center column to list how long you spent on each service.
Then, at the bottom of the grid, clearly state the total.
State Your Rules and Expectations Clearly
Why do so many businesses have to wait for months before receiving payments for their services? Part of the problem is the way that they’ve designed their invoice.
Your invoice needs to state all of your rules and expectations upfront. That means no vague language and no unstated repercussions for late payments. Replace a line like, “Please pay us promptly,” with an actual due-by date as well as an amount or percentage you charge for late payments.
Use a Sample Invoice Template
Want to create the perfect sample invoice but don’t know where to start? There is a free invoice template we recommend using to create gorgeous, professional, branded invoice samples.
Design isn’t everyone’s strong suit and that’s okay. With free templates, you can design a flawless invoice in minutes.
Strong Invoice Design Will Ensure Timely Payments
Your sample invoice is going to play a huge role in how quickly you get paid. Use these tips to create your own sample invoice to ensure that your business thrives from the get-go.
Looking for more ideas to get your new business off the ground? Take a look at our business section for industry news, marketing tips, and guides that will help you to start a successful company.
