Now that your read our invoice definition, learn how to create the perfect invoice for your business needs by following our invoice example.
A typical invoice often has the word “Invoice” placed at the top of the document, and serves as the document’s title.
Invoice Reference
Below the title, include a number for the invoice. Each and every invoice you create and send should include a number, and it should be different for each invoice. Typically, the numbers for each invoice will be in chronological order so you and your client can keep track of which invoices comes first.
For example, the very first invoice you send someone may have the number 0001, then the next will be 0002, and so forth. The numbers make an easy reference point, as well, if an invoice gets lost in the mail, or doesn’t get paid for some reason.
List of items
The next thing you’ll want to include in your invoice is a detailed list or a description of the products sold and/or the services provided. This list informs you, as well as your client, exactly what they are paying for.
Within the itemized list, you will want to include the date the services were provided and/or products purchased, along with the date the invoice was sent. Include all of the contact information for the buyer, as well as for the seller.
Naturally, you should include a breakdown of all the costs. Each line item should have a cost associated with it, even if it is $0.00, or even if each item costs the same amount.
Totals and payment information
If there was any amounts paid toward the itemized list before the invoice was sent, include the amount paid as it will affect the grand total owed. If there are any taxes or fees associated with the services or products, include that as well. At the end of the list, include the total amount owed.
If there are any special payment details, add those, such as your PayPal account information, or other payment instructions. If there is a due date for the payment (usually it’s 30 days), include that, and any information about late fees, if necessary.
Sample invoice content
Address of Client here
SAMPLE INVOICE
Thank you for your business with us! Please pay the amount due within 21 days or by September 2, 2016 to avoid a 1.5% late fee. Please use PayPal (Username: Websites R US) to complete the payment, or mail a check to:
Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Define processes
Once you send or deliver the invoice, you will want to have a system in place for yourself – you need to know if you do not receive payment for the invoices you have sent. If multiple invoices are sent to the same person, sometimes they will pay one and not the other, or they will pay them out of order, so you will have to be on top of keeping track of this in order to get all of the payments you have requested.
Please note that invoices can be in many different forms – they can be simple and handwritten, or more complex and typed. If you choose to type your invoices, once you create your first one, you can use it as a template, so if you have to keep creating them, it won’t take as long each time.
If your business requires you to create lots of invoices and/or deal with several different clients, Yes Invoice can help you design invoices for specific clients, and help you keep track of your financial logs to stay organized.