How to Write an Invoice and What to Include
Are you a business owner or a freelancer? If you are, then you probably know how important it is to send invoices to your clients. After all, an invoice is what will help you get paid for the work that you’ve done. For a beginner, an invoice may seem hard to create. But, it’s actually not that difficult once you know what to include. Below is everything you need to know about how to write an invoice, as well as what to include in it.
Include Branding in the Header
Branding is important for any business, big or small. It helps create recognition and builds trust with your clients. So, when you’re creating an invoice, make sure to include your company’s logo in the header.
Using a well-designed template such as a free invoice template NZ can help make your invoice look more professional. It allows you to use distinct colors and special fonts that represent your brand. You should also include your company name and contact information. This way, if your client has any questions, they will know how to reach you. If you are a freelancer and you don’t have a logo, you can put your personal spin on the invoice by adding a personal photo in the header.
Also Read:- What is Invoice Finance and their Pros and Cons.
List Your Contact Details and Company Information
Clients need to be able to easily get in touch with you if they have any questions about the invoice. Therefore, it is important to include your contact information such as your name, email address, and phone number. You should also list your company information such as your company name and website. It is also important to do the same to the company you are invoicing so that they may know that the invoice is meant for them. If you want to make this easier, consider DataServ automated payments to automate some of these time consuming tasks.
Add All Relevant Dates And Invoice Number
It is important to include the date on the invoice because that is when the work was completed or when the product was delivered. This will help your client keep track of when they need to pay you. The key dates that you should include in your invoice are the date you sent the invoice, the due date, and the date you provided your services. An invoice number is also very important. Make it a norm to include a unique number on every invoice so that you can keep track of them. This will come in handy, especially if you have a lot of clients.
Itemize on the Goods and Services Provided
List all the goods and services that you provided and give a brief description of each. If you’re a freelancer, this is where you will list the project that you completed and the hours that you worked. If you own a store, this is where you will list all the products that your customer purchased. It is important to be as clear as possible so that your client knows exactly what they are paying for. Sum up the total costs of the goods and services. With a good invoice template, the total will be automatically calculated for you.
Add Your Payment Terms and Conditions
In this section, you will need to list the methods of payment that you accept. You should also include your bank details so that your client knows where to transfer the money to. This is also a good place to add any special instructions such as discounts or late fees. Do not forget to list a time frame for when the payment is due. For example, you can say that payments are due within 30 days of the invoice date. This makes the customer aware of their obligations.
Send the Invoice with an Accompanying Email
It is advisable to include a short email to go along with your invoice. In the email, you can thank your client for their business and include a link to the invoice. This is a good way to make sure that they received the invoice and know how to access it. You can also attach the invoice as a PDF so that it cannot be edited or manipulated by anyone who receives it. In your email, compose a clear subject line and include your business name so that the customer can easily identify it.With this in mind, you are well on your way to writing a great invoice. Following these simple tips will help you create an invoice that is professional and easy to understand. Your clients will appreciate the effort you put into making sure they have all the information they need, and it will make it easier for them to pay you on time.
