You just finished up a freelance project, or perhaps you are an up-and-coming entrepreneur, and the time comes for.....creating an invoice. Gasp!What is an invoice? Why do YOU have to do an invoice? What goes on an invoice? What does it look like? The following guidelines are basics about invoices, in addition to some great services which will make your life easier, and get you on the path to getting paid with services rendered!
What is an Invoice?
According to unisys.com, an invoice is "A bill issued by one who has provided products and/or services to a customer."
Basically, an invoice is an account of goods or services provided/performed, including the (method) of payment that is due for services. It is a document which outlines the terms of sale/transaction/duty provided. It should include the details behind the services, in addition the expenses for the service (itemized).
What Should Go On the Invoice
This is a basic rundown of what should be on the invoice:
YOU: business/customer with whom you completed a service for (usually up on the top left), including address and phone number.
CLIENT/BUSINESS with whom you have completed the service for, including name, address, phone number, email, etc. (think top of a job cover letter for this part) and ATTENTION: (whoever it may be).
The INVOICE NUMBER (usually set on the right from the address info, and the date of the invoice (which may be different from the day in which you completed the work; just make a note of it in the invoice)
DETAILS: Including the amount that is owed, whether it be hourly/per-word/per unit-piece, etc. and the rate (what the money is owed)
A DESCRIPTION of what the job entails, including a brief outline of the duty performed. You can include dates (if applicable).
The TERMS OF PAYMENT (which includes when you may receive the payment after the invoice has been received).
If it is a product in which you are creating an invoice, then you must include the of items/products subject to tax.
And lastly, BALANCE DUE, usually set at the bottom.
An Example of a Basic Invoice:
The following is an example of a basic invoice, and how it could be formatted. There are a few places in which you could place the invoice number and date, but here is an example:
(this is you)
Emma Zerner
address/phone number
(this is them)
BUSINESS/CUSTOMER
Address/ATTN: PERSON, Email, etc.
Date of Invoice/Invoice Number
Services Performed:
Ate Donuts: $3.00
Ate Chocolate: $4.00
Total Amount Due: $7.00
To be paid within two weeks within receipt of invoice. You can restructure the format, and elaborate what best suits your needs, and what is relevant to the task performed.
Great Services
You can use Microsoft word or other word processor to complete your invoice. There are also some services online available to make your job easier, such as www.billmyclients.com. This company has a tutorial to walk you through the process and explain what you are doing, in addition to having templates, so your data is put in a professional spots, and you don't leave anything important out.