Now you know how to format an invoice, let’s take a deeper look at some sample invoice formats for professionals to give you a better idea of how it’s done. If you are particularly worried about the formatting of your invoice, you can always download a free template online or look at other templates online to get as many ideas for your own invoices as possible from a sample invoice format.
Here is a sample invoice for consideration:
Blanche D. Rose
Consulting
3902 Tulip Court
Bryson, IN 47201
Blanche.Drose@example.com
986.094.1178
To: David Blue
Construction
2097 Roundtree Way, Suite 45
Indianapolis, IN 78371
D.Blue@example.com
713. 578. 0924
Invoice # 08202016
Issue Date: August 20, 2016
Payment due date (30 days): Payment to be received by September 19, 2016. Payments not received by stated due date will receive a 5% fee implementation, and may be subject to further collection.
Thank you for your business with Blanche D. Rose Consulting!
Stick to the standard
While you can choose the fonts, colors, and the overall look of an invoice, keep in mind this is the general standard that will be expected when a client gets your invoice in the mail or via email. You may choose to use colors, fonts, or language that better matches your brand, but you still want to make sure you include all of the necessary information in the invoice in order to make sure your billing process runs as smooth as possible.
Include contact information
All of your invoices must include all of the necessary contact information for both parties, including: names and street addresses, the city, state, zip code, email address, and phone number, and if necessary, a fax machine number. The number has to be a unique invoice number that matches your billing system in addition to the date the invoice was issued, and a very detailed list of services rendered and/or products purchased for which the client is being billed. Each service rendered or product purchased should have its own line, and each line should be assigned the date that it was completed or purchased, the hours it took to complete, along with the hourly rate, or the amount of products purchased, and then a total dollar amount for that line.
Line items and totals
At the bottom of the list should be a subtotal that includes all of the line items added together. Then, list any fees, taxes, credits, discounts, or any additional dollar amounts that would affect the final dollar amount. Then, add all of the numbers together to get a final dollar amount owed, which should be clear and understood. Next, include any information about how you expect to be paid (what payment methods), if there is a payment due date, and if so when the due date is, and if there is a late fee policy, and if so, you must state it. Put a line at the bottom of the invoice, sign and date it.
Check the content before sending
Before sending the invoice, you should double check the document for spelling and grammar, along with any math. Send the invoice via snail mail or email, and then immediately file a copy for yourself and keep tabs on when you receive payment, or if you need to reach out to your client for payment clarification.