Write a Professional Invoice for Services Rendered
Edited by Yuliya, Eng, Nuance, Alma
7 Parts: How To Write A Professional Invoice For Services Rendered Sample invoice for a freelance job What To Do If You Don't Get Paid What Program Can You Make Your Invoice In Additional Tips Resources Comments
[Image:Yassora_0403151231-meme.jpg|630px]]
If you are self-employed, a freelancer, contractor, or hold any other kind of project-based job, you will probably need to create an invoice at some point. Knowing how to write an invoice can help you keep your tasks organized, make follow-ups easier, and keep a record of the payments you receive - and payments you have not received, for your own records, as well as for tax purposes. Writing and sending an invoice can be daunting at first, but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to write a professional invoice by using the guidelines below.
Contents
How To Write A Professional Invoice For Services Rendered
- 1You might want to put your business logo at the top center of the page - if you have one.
- 2Your name (or business name), address, telephone number, and email and website URL (if applicable).Begin with a heading that includes:
- 3Include:Underneath or in a column to the right of your name and address, include the unique information for that specific invoice.
- Invoice number.
- Invoice date.
- Due date.
- 4You may also want to note the payment details, such as "Pay Upon Receipt" or "Pay Upon Completion," whichever is relevant to you.
- 5Include the name and address (or website URL / email address) of the recipient.
- 6Here is an example of an invoice for an article written:The main body of the invoice should have a heading like "Description of Services:" and contain a list of the services rendered, along with a short description and a price.
- 7The invoice should make it as easy as possible for the recipient to see how much they owe you, when the payment is due, and exactly what they are paying for.Underneath the list of services, note clearly the total payment expected for this invoice, even if you only listed one item.
Sample invoice for a freelance job
- Writing Magic - Freelance Writers
- 1234 Interesting Lane
- Wit's End, NY 11234
- United States
- www.writingmagic.com
- Bill To:
- John Doe
- Nowhere, MA 54321
- JohnD@bloggerwebsite.com
- Invoice Number: 205
- Invoice Date: 07/11/2012
- Invoice Due: 08/11/2012
- Description of Services:
- Blog - Why your website isn't getting enough attention. $50.00
- Blog - How to get more attention for your website. $50.00
- TOTAL: $100.00
What To Do If You Don't Get Paid
In the life of a freelancer, you sometimes have to deal with customers who don't pay on time or simply forget to pay. The proper etiquette is to follow up:
- 1When you send an invoice, include a note to the customer telling them when you expect to be paid by (even if this information is noted in the body of the invoice).
2
You can also ask for a confirmation that your invoice was received.
3
If the due date indicated on the invoice has passed, you can follow up and remind them that you have not been paid yet
. 4
If you are still not paid after this, unfortunately, there is little you can do
. 5
If it's worth your while, you can take them to Small Claims Court - which is why you should save every email, and copy every invoice you send your client.
What Program Can You Make Your Invoice In
- 1An invoice doesn't need to be fancy - a simple spreadsheet will usually suffice.
- 2It's free and efficient and even lets the customer pay you via Paypal with a direct button on the invoice they receive.Paypal has an invoicing option for small business accounts.
- 3Many of these cost some money but include additional features that you may find useful, like bookkeeping.There are a number of invoicing programs available to use.
- 4Make a template of your own, so every time you fill out an invoice, most of the work is already done.
Additional Tips
- Before you send an invoice, find out how your client prefers to pay his freelancers. Some people have their own invoices they will ask you to fill out. Will they be paying by check, money order, Paypal? This information will help you decide how to bill.
- The easier and more convenient you make your invoicing, the more likely you are to get paid on time.
- Keep all your invoices in one place. It will make things easier for you in the long run.
Resources
- Paypal Invoicing
- epSos.de Money Image
If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.
