8 replies to this topic

[dragonlady7]

http://freelancewrit...ampleinvice.htm

Just stumbled across this: a sample invoice for a freelance writer.
Very simple, very to the point. Takes the mystery out.

[Vertster]

I suggest using Quickbooks to track any invoices you send out. You could maybe keep track of a couple in your head, but beyond that it gets way too confusing!

[ajeshnair]

Hi DL!!!

DO you got a better invoice than that??

It looks very simple and plan..is it?

- Ajesh

[mfogel]

How can anyone survive without a program like MS Money 2004 Small Business Manager or Quicken? Saves multiple hours, costs little.

[qwerty]

I'm pretty low-tech when it comes to this aspect of the business. I've modified a Word template for my invoices. When I fill it out, I itemize either by the hour or the task (depending on how I'm billing that client) and give it a number based on an abbreviated version of the client's company name and that day's date. It then gets saved in that client's invoice folder. When they pay me, I move the invoice from seo\clients\clientname\invoice to seo\clients\clientname\invoice\paid.

Simple.

[mcanerin]

Mine is slightly nicer formatted - but almost identical.

It includes:

• My Name and Contact Info
• Clients Name and Contact Info
• Account Number (I usually use the client URL, myself)
• The Date
• An itemized list of charges, plus total and tax, if necessary
• Payment instructions
• A big Thank You
• Terms: Ie Net 30 days with 1.5% interest per month and $25 late fee, also $30 Returned payment Fee.
• Whether it's second notice, or whatever.
• Special instructions (including possibly a reference to a clause in the contract) if needed

Overall - an Invoice should be simple and easy to understand - never get all complicated (that's for your contract). Remember also, if you try to get cute and add extra stuff in, that last thing signed takes - I had a case where my employer found a part of his contract invalidated because a different clause was on the invoice. It counted as a amendment to the contract. Don't put stuff like that in unless you REALLY know what you are doing - and then leave it out any way, most of the time.

Ian

[Jill]

QuickBooks Online Edition for me!

Jill

[mfogel]

Microsoft Money Small Business Manager is good too - saves lots of time - costs little. Customize invoices with your logo - double entry accounting helps so much.

[Rob]

BusinessVision Small Business Edition, or Limited Edition! There's also an E-Commerce add-on available if you want to go that far!