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While we love getting paid, nobody enjoys generating or managing invoices. It’s a pain and while technology has made things easier, most people still run away from managing invoices, especially since there can be too many to take care of.

Back in the day, invoicing used to be a real issue. Everything was done manually and there were thousands of papers to take care of. Thanks to technology, we can get more done in less time and without putting in much effort.

Still, you have to be careful when choosing the right invoicing app since not all invoicing apps are made equal. In this best invoicing apps guide, we’ll talk about things to take care of when selecting an invoicing app for freelancers.

Let’s get started:

Why Do You Need the Best Invoicing App for Freelancers?

Freelancing is one of the fastest growing industries. It contributes more than $1.4 trillion to the US economy and employs millions of people. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that companies are now producing invoicing apps for freelancers.

For example invoicing apps designed for tradies understand the unique needs of the trades industry. They offer specialized features like project tracking, materials management, and job costing, helping tradies efficiently manage their invoicing and financial processes in a way that suits their specific trade-related requirements.

They have realized the big market and want to make freelancing easy for you. However, if you aren’t sold on the idea of investing in an invoicing app then look at these reasons:

Invoicing Apps Help Save Time

With a reliable invoicing tool by your side, you will not have to worry about creating manual invoices and sending them to your clients when the time arrives.

Most top invoicing software can automate processes and help you save time. This is of huge importance since time is of the essence for solopreneurs and freelancers. Every second counts, especially since most freelancers charge an hourly rate. This means that someone who charges $40 per hour would be losing a chance to earn $40 for every hour they spend on invoicing.

Creating manual invoices or using tools like Excel can be very tiring and time consuming. With an invoicing tool, you will be able to not just write and record invoices but also send and track them without having to move from one place to another.

Invoicing Apps Might Make You More Productive

This might sound a little strange to some but using a billing tool can make you more productive and efficient. The concept is simple. The less time you spend on generating and managing invoices, the more time you will have to concentrate on other tasks.

Working on invoicing can leave people tired and even push them to be less productive or interested in other tasks. There are few things as irritating as sitting with a calculator and adding figures.

You can let an invoicing tool take care of invoices while you concentrate on more important tasks.

The Best Invoicing App for Freelancers Can Help Reduce the Risk of Mistakes

There is always a risk of errors when it comes to manual invoicing. Errors can be of several kinds – a typo in the name of your customer, invoicing to the wrong buyer, or adding an incorrect figure.

No matter what the magnitude of a mistake, it can disrupt your freelancing business, cause you to lose clients, impact your image, and make it difficult to receive payments

No freelancer wants to go through this trouble and the best way to reduce the risk is to use a tool that can complete invoicing-related tasks on your behalf.

Most invoicing software can calculate numbers and input data based on already-saved information. Since a large number of freelancers have long-term clients, this feature can be of huge help. You will not have to enter data every time you have to invoice a client, simply import information and you’re good to go.

Freelancers reduce mistakes with invoicing apps

Invoicing Apps Make You Look More Professional

Professional invoicing tools allow freelancers to place their name, business name, and logo on the invoice to make it appear more neat and professional. This might not seem like a major factor but it can be quite effective in convincing people that you’re serious about what you do.

Not everyone takes freelancers very seriously. By going the extra mile, you can appear more accomplished. This can even help you charge a higher fee and make more money.

The Best Invoicing App Prepares You For the Big Move

Most freelancers start working with the idea of hitting it big and eventually make more money. If you are serious about reaching the big league then you should put your best foot forward and prepare today for what’s to come tomorrow.

You must welcome technology and not appear dated. Plus, you must take care of the legal requirements. We must mention that the US Office of Management and Budget made it mandatory for all government agencies to adopt online invoicing in 2018. In the same year, we saw the EU mandate all public administrators to start accepting e-invoicing. 

If you want to work with such big names, you will need a reliable invoicing tool.

Invoicing Apps Ensure You Get Paid

Freelancers don’t always get paid immediately and most have to follow up, which can be a lot of trouble. It is not uncommon for people to forget about unpaid invoices and lose money.

A reliable invoicing tool can send you timely reminders and ensure you get paid on time. It can be your virtual assistant that goes the extra mile so that you receive all the money that you are owed.

It can play an important role in reducing bad debt and increasing your cash flow.

While these are some of the main benefits of using a billing and invoicing app, remember that not all apps on the market offer these benefits. This is why it is important to choose the right one.

Get paid faster with best invoice apps for freelancers

Features of the Right Billing and Invoicing Tool

Here are a few things to keep in mind so you can choose the best invoicing app for freelancers from hundreds of invoicing apps:

Easy Invoice Creation

Look for invoicing apps that are easy to use. There is no point in choosing a tool that makes things complicated. You should choose a program that lets you create an invoice with just a click. 

Some tools also give the option to send an invoice to the recipient without using a third-party tool. This can be a great feature as it helps save time and ensures the invoice is sent to the right person.

Mobile Support

Want ease and flexibility? Choose a program that works well on mobile devices. Some invoicing tools have mobile apps, some have browser support, and some don’t work well on mobile devices at all.

If you want to be able to create, view, send, and edit invoices on the go then it is important that you choose a program that has mobile support. 

It should work well on your device – iOS and Android – and offer all or most of the features available on the desktop version.

Cloud Support

Most invoicing and billing software now offer cloud support since it’s the future. Cloud support refers to the ability to store data on the cloud that can be accessed from anywhere. With this feature, you will be able to work on your invoice no matter where you are. You’ll only need an internet connection and a supported device.

This is of huge importance because freelancers want to enjoy flexibility. They move from one place to another and often go holidaying without compromising on work. With this feature, you’ll take your office wherever you go without any worries.

Customer Records Creation 

Choose a billing & invoice software that allows you to save and import personal records of your customers so you can easily create new invoices without having to input data every time you have to invoice a client.

This feature doesn’t only help save time but also reduces the risk of errors as you will only have to input and verify information once. The system can import names, addresses, etc., on its own.

Multiple Payment Methods

This is a rare feature but if you look around, you will find tools that allow recipients to pay the invoice directly without opening a new page and feeding information. 

This is a great feature as it increases the likelihood of getting paid. Someone in a hurry may delay paying if it means going to the dashboard, logging in, and making payments. You can add a link to the payment page and allow users to clear invoices directly without having to do much work.

Customizable Templates

Introduce some style to your invoices by using the best invoicing app for freelancers to create templates that go well with the theme of your business. The system you choose should give you the option to customize templates, choose from predesigned templates, and even save templates for future use.

We suggest that you add some color and personalization to the invoice by changing the color theme and adding the logo so that it looks more professional. As mentioned earlier, it can help impress people.

Multiple Currency Support

This is a very important feature for freelancers since they work with clients from around the globe. Most customers want to see the invoice in the unit or currency that they trade in, i.e.: USD for someone in the US and CAD for someone in Canada. 

It makes things easier for clients. They will not have to open a calculator or go to Google for currency conversion. They’ll be able to see the invoice in their preferred currency, which isn’t only helpful but also increases the likelihood of getting paid faster.

Communication

If you search the market, you will come across ‘smart’ billing software that can communicate with customers on your behalf, i.e.: let you know once your invoice gets read. These are known as best invoicing apps.

Freelancers often are concerned whether the invoice they’ve issued has been received or not.

Discount and Tax 

Your invoicing tool should be able to calculate the total and also account for discounts and taxes, as applicable. Since freelancers have to add VAT and other such charges and also offer volume discounts, this feature can prove to be of huge help.

A system that doesn’t have this feature would make it difficult for you to create invoices because you will have to do manual work. 

Payment Reminders

As mentioned earlier, freelancers don’t always get paid immediately. Some have to wait for weeks to get paid in full because clients often take time to review work and approve the payment. Since the cycle can take weeks, freelancers can often forget to send reminders and miss out on getting paid.

The best invoicing app for freelancers is one that sends regular and automatic reminders to ensure you get paid on time. Some will send you a reminder or send a template to the recipient. 

Attachments and Files

Choose a platform that lets you attach files to justify the invoice, especially if there are additional charges. Some freelancers also like to attach ‘work’ with the invoice so that clients can review and pay immediately. Hence, consider looking for a tool that has this feature.

Safety and Security

We know how big of an issue cybersecurity is. You can’t afford to choose a system that doesn’t encrypt data and puts you or your client’s information at risk. Customers are careful about working with companies that put their data at risk, especially when you put information on the cloud.

Choose a company that takes steps to safeguard your data and goes the extra mile to prevent hackers from accessing your files. Moreover, it must take legal requirements such as GDPR standards into consideration.

Offline Functionalities

While it is important to choose a billing and invoicing software that works online, don’t make the mistake of selecting a tool that has no offline functionality since you may not always have access to the internet and you may have to create and print invoices.

Merely Googling for the best invoicing app for freelancers will not be enough, make sure to compare.

Team Support

Freelancers today are working in teams and even if you fly solo, we suggest that you choose a software that lets you add teammates so that you have no issues working together.

Our tool, for example, allows users to add members to create, review, and edit files. This is important when you have someone else looking after accounts or communicating with clients. 

Price and Licensing

This one is a no brainer. We understand that most freelancers cannot afford to spend lavishly on an invoicing tool. So, look for a tool that is affordable. While there are some free invoicing and billing tools for freelancers, they’re usually not worth it since they come with limited features and are hardly useful.

Look for an affordable plan and choose a license type that suits your needs. Some will charge a monthly fee, some will charge a one-time fee, and some may have more payment options. Compare all and pick one that fits you.

Customer Support

As an invoicing and billing software provider, we know the type of issues clients face. We put the best foot forward to ensure they face no problem and continue to work and bill clients seamlessly. This is why many consider us to be the best invoicing app for freelancers.

If you are new to the game, you may have to get in touch with the team, hence it is important that you pick a company that is serious about helping you.

The team should be informed, friendly, professional, and available. The best way to judge how good or bad an invoicing app is, is to read reviews, try a demo, or look at what others have to say.

Billdu: The Best Invoicing App for Freelancers

Billdu is your one stop solution to all things related to invoicing. Our invoicing app offers all the features discussed above with some additional options like a customer-friendly dashboard, the option to create quotes and estimates, an inventory tracker, recurring invoices, and more.

Additionally, discover best quoting apps tailored for small businesses by reading our comprehensive article.

Check all our features and know more about why we are among the best invoicing apps for freelancers. Our software comes with a 14-day trial so you can get your hands on it and see how it works.

Sign up without any commitment and give a boost to your freelancing business.

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Pro invoice maker for small businesses

Are you wondering which is the best invoicing software for contractors? Why choose software to perform this basic accounting task when you’ve been doing manual invoices since day one of your business? What exactly can invoice software do for your business as a contractor?

Figuring out if moving your invoices online is a smart move for your business or not can be a headache you don’t want to deal with right now. But, your accountant is advising you to make the move and you’ve heard other contractors raving about simpler invoicing processes. Is this the time to move your paperwork online?

Let’s talk about invoicing software and how it can be the smartest move you can make for your own construction or home-improvement business.

The Role of the Contractor

When starting up as a contractor and running your own business, you’ll discover there are many roles performed by yourself. While large-scale businesses may have a team working for them and taking responsibility for various tasks, your start-up may require you to perform most jobs. And, this includes paperwork.

Your role as a contractor requires to oversee the project or construction site. You need to deal with traders and vendors directly, ensuring that all supplies are provided properly and on time. Depending on the size and type of project you’re working on, you’ll need to review numerous documents and make assessments to ensure the project runs smoothly at all times.

The contractor is also responsible for submitting price bids, estimates, quotes, and fixed-price contracts. These proposals include what equipment you need, supplies and materials to complete the job, and labor costs. You’ll also need to submit an estimated number of hours it will take for the project to be completed.

From the start of the project to the end, the contractor becomes the point of all communications, managing all workers on site, and ensuring that all work stays on track. Contractors, most times, are also responsible for monitoring the cash flow of the business.

How Do General Contractors Get Paid?

Contractors are found in a wide range of industries, managing large construction sites for major firms to operating a startup for smaller home improvement projects. If you’re a general contractor, you’ll enter into a prime contract with the client. Your role, as the prime contractor, is to oversee and coordinate the whole project.

Running your own business as a general contractor often entails hiring subcontractors to perform certain jobs on-site such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. While overseeing the construction or project site, you’re also responsible for the health and safety of all the workers.

Cash flow is essential to keep your business afloat and the project on track. And, this is when a general contractor asks how do I get paid?  Getting paid depends on the type of project you’re running and what parties are involved.  Your place in the payment chain affects how and when you get paid.

However, in most cases, if you’re a small-scale general contractor who has signed a prime contract, your first priority is making sure you get paid. Thereafter, you’re responsible for paying everyone else in the payment chain such as your subcontractors and suppliers.

Managing the payment chain can become challenging and this is when issuing invoices to the right people and ensuring you get paid on time adds more administration to your workload. If you don’t have a strong and well-established accounting system in place, you run the risk of payments spiraling out of control, leaving you to sort out the mess!

Running a successful construction or home improvement business requires you, as the general contractor, to follow certain work practices. Following these practices also optimizes your chances of getting paid on time and having a steady cash flow to run the project with minimal hiccups.

1. Secure a Strong Contract

Securing a strong contract protects both you and your client. The contract clearly outlines the specifics of the project and its outcome. A solid contract should include the following:

  • The purpose of the project: All details such as the overview of the project, location, details of the property owners, and timeline should be stated.
  • Description of the project: The name of the project and all steps are described.
  • Estimated costs: A breakdown of all costs and the agreed-upon costs need to be indicated in full detail.
  • Payment breakdown: A schedule for all payments must be clearly indicated and agreed upon with project milestones.
  • Equipment and materials: A list of all equipment and materials must be included together with who is responsible for paying for them.
  • Other: Any possible add-ons or extensions to the project should be stated and agreed upon by all parties in the contract. A warranty may also be included and should be determined by local construction industry standards.

2. Optimize Payment Terms

Use the contract as an opportunity to optimize your payment terms. Stipulate how and when invoices will be sent and what payment methods you’ll accept. Make it easy for your clients to pay you on time by offering a convenient payment method. With new clients, make upfront payments higher so your cash flow at the start of the project is stronger.

Indicate payment terms and what the deadlines will be. Always include late payment fees in the contract. These penalties can be agreed upon between your client and yourself when drawing up the contract. While this may not fully guarantee you timely payments, you’re legally allowed to make claims for late payment fees if it’s been clearly stated in your contract.

3. Send Invoices on Time

It’s quite simple. If you don’t send invoices, you’re not going to get paid. And, if your invoice sending is shoddy and haphazard, you can’t expect your client to be timely with their payments. Simple but clear invoices indicate to the client what needs to be paid and when.

There should be no confusion in the invoice details and how payment can be made. One of the main reasons for delayed payments on invoices is the lack of appropriate details. Invoices can be sent by email, given by hand, or mailed using a courier company. Issuing manual invoicing is a time-consuming process so automating the process will improve your invoice system.

Optimize your invoicing process as a contractor by selecting from a variety of invoicing apps.

4. Use Lien Waivers for Prompt Payments

Lien waivers are no strangers to the construction industry and are often used to ensure payments are made during and after the project is implemented. A legal document, the lien waiver generally states that the contractor waivers their right to file a mechanic’s lien against the property when the amount stated in the lien is paid.

While using lien waivers can ensure prompt payments, you’ll need to follow stringent procedures and documentation stipulated by your local state laws. You’ll also need to issue a preliminary notice when securing your lien rights.

Best invoicing software for contractors

Invoicing Software for Contractors: What Are the Benefits?

Paperwork is one of the most time-consuming tasks for a general contractor. And, if not done systematically, will end up piling up on your desk. Very quickly, your business will begin to suffer as cash flow dwindles and serious delays in the payment chain builds up.

Issuing invoices is one of the most basic and yet essential administrative tasks that needs to be done regularly to ensure prompt payment. If you’re still issuing manual invoices, you already know how much time you’re spending on this task. This is why exploring automating your invoicing system is vital if you want to keep on top of your game in the construction industry.

But, what are the real benefits of using invoicing software work for contractors in your own business?

1. Professional Invoices

The invoice software allows you to create professional invoices, simply and efficiently. You can bill your clients by including all the necessary details in their invoice, minimizing any risk of confusion. You can select from a range of invoice templates and have the option of including the following information:

  • Your business contact details and logo
  • Your customer’s contact details
  • Billable details such as hours logged, equipment and materials used, and labor costs
  • Payment methods and terms
  • Amounts payable including any applicable tax amount

Clients will be impressed by a professional invoice and will be more inclined to pay promptly when they know what they’re paying for and to whom.

2. Faster Payments

Automated invoices can be sent out timeously, prompting faster payment. And, you don’t need to waste time on recurring invoices either. With a few clicks, the software handles that side of things for you! Online invoices can be emailed directly to your client’s inbox and you’ll get notification when the invoice has been opened.

You can even go one step further and include a “pay button” to the invoice. This allows your client to pay easily by clicking the feature and making a prompt payment. By improving your client’s experience whenever they receive one of your professional invoices, you’re increasing your credibility as a general contractor in the field.

3. Improved Financial Reporting and Cash Flow Management

Invoicing software is designed to make your invoice process simple while keeping your financial records orderly. Whenever you issue an online invoice, you’ll be able to allocate an invoice number to it. This makes for better filing and easier for both you and your accountant to keep track of invoices being issued.

It’s easier to know when invoices have not been paid, giving you the option to chase up payments immediately without any delays. We all know how hard it is to get someone to pay when the invoice has been outstanding for too many months!

Invoicing software includes instant reporting and this gives you an overview, at any time, on the financial status and cash flow of your company. Instead of being caught out by surprise, you can make a plan well in advance, if cash flow becomes a problem. This way, you can rest assured the project is not affected in any way.

Why contractors need an invoicing software

4. Issue Invoices on the Go

Automating your invoice system means you can do business wherever you are, whenever you want to. This not only saves you time to focus on the other essential aspects of overseeing a project site, but it gives you the freedom to issue invoices on the go.

Many invoicing software companies such as Billdu or FreshBooks have designed software which allows you to create and send invoices almost instantly. Some companies have downloadable apps which means you can issue invoices directly from your iOS or Android SmartPhone. How’s that for convenience?

How to Pick the Best Invoicing Software for Contractors

Picking the best invoicing software for your business as a contractor does mean taking into consideration some key features. Not all invoice software is suitable for contractors so to help you pick the best invoicing platform for your business, we’ve listed key features you should look out for:

  • Templates: An online invoice generator allows you to create a professional invoice in no time at all. Prepared invoice templates that can be customized to match your brand will impress your client.
  • Generate other documents: Having the ability to generate estimates, proforma invoices, delivery notes, and purchase orders simplify issuing other documents to clients, suppliers, and vendors when running a project. Looks for these features in your chosen invoice maker.
  • Automatic sending and recurring invoices: Being able to send your invoices automatically saves you time and creating recurring invoices with a few clicks is essential when growing your business.
  • Tracking Income and Expenses: Make sure the software you pick makes it easy to track all payments, both incoming and outgoing. This allows you to manage your cash flow more efficiently while keeping on top of your project’s income and expenses.
  • Reports: Instant reporting and making use of charts keeps your eye on how your business is performing. This is essential in order to keep your project running smoothly.
  • Online payment facilities: By adding a pay button to your invoices, your clients are likely to pay faster, keeping your cash flow healthy.
  • Invite your accountant: By giving your accountant access to all your invoices and transactions online, you’re making it easier for them to do accurate financial reporting.
  • Downloadable app: Your work entails being on-site most of the day. This means your paperwork can get behind. By downloading an app to your Smartphone or tablet, you can issue invoices while on site.

When picking invoicing software, you want to ensure it fulfils all your requirements for issuing invoices. The main factor for installing this type of software is to ultimately save you time and money. The platform should be easy to use and reliable. You also want to know that you can issue invoices on the spot if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Being a contractor entails a wide range of roles including operating a basic accounting system. While hiring an accountant or bookkeeper takes a lot of pressure off you, issuing invoices is still one of your key functions. We, at Billdu, understand this and our invoicing software is designed to meet all your invoice requirements. What’s more, you can rest assured your invoices look professional, impressing your clients while getting paid timeously.

Why not join thousands of other contractors and install Billdu invoicing software today? It’ll be the smartest financial move you could make for you and your business.

Billdu invoice
software for small businesses

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Pro invoice maker for small businesses

Creating simple invoices for your small business is one of the smartest ways of billing your customers for any services done or products sold. Proper invoicing is essential when running a professional business and this matters even more so when you’re starting up with a new business.

Launching a small business is exciting. You’ve spent many hours dreaming about the day your business opens and now it’s all actions go. But have you considered essential factors such as integrating invoicing systems that allow you to manage the most basic accounting requirements of your organization?

For many business owners, managing the administration part of their company can be time-consuming. But it can be kept simple and you can start by streamlining your invoicing system so it’s straightforward and effortless.

Read on as we talk about why small businesses should keep invoicing simple and how to make an invoice in no time at all.

Why Simple Invoices Are Best for Small Businesses

Running a business is hard work. Making sure that all operations run smoothly and professionally is challenging especially when this is your first business. And in order to be successful, you need to keep a close eye on your finances. Cash flow is essential which means invoicing your customers as soon as a service is provided or a sale is made is crucial.

But does the prospect of creating invoices intimidate you? It shouldn’t if you keep it simple. And simple invoices are often the best for small businesses like yours. They give all the necessary details making it easier for your client to pay faster.

You can create an invoice in Excel to benefit from its automated calculations and structured layout. Similarly, crafting an invoice in Word offers flexibility in design and formatting.

Simple invoices streamline how you manage your day-to-day finances. You can issue invoices quickly and efficiently, record all sales, and keep your financial reports up to date.  This also means you can focus less on time-consuming administrative tasks and more on areas of your business that need growing.

But what is the best way for small organizations to issue simple invoices? This is when you need to explore installing a simple invoice software platform for all your invoicing requirements.

Simple invoices a necessity for SMEs

What is Simple Invoice Software?

The way business works nowadays has changed dramatically and the current economic situation encourages business owners to become nomadic. More new small business owners are looking for ways to simplify the way their company operates and this includes issuing invoices on the go.

However, simple doesn’t mean tacky! No matter how small your business is, you want to keep it professional. Installing simple invoice software gives you scope to create and issue invoices that will impress your customers and get them paying faster than normal.

The platform also allows you to do business anytime, anywhere – at home, from your office, or while you’re on the road. When you use simple invoice software, you can take advantage of the following features:

  • Downloadable apps: Installing invoicing software on your mobile means you can create and send invoices wherever you are. This allows you to keep your business on track while preventing delays such as sending out invoices on time.
  • Templates: Gone are the days of creating an invoice using Word or Excel. You can now select from a range of templates that suit your brand while keeping invoicing simple. Your invoices will also look professional. Check out our free invoice template Australia, invoice template NZ or invoice template UK as an example.
  • Faster payments: Simple invoices can include a pay button which makes it easier for your customer to make a payment as soon as they receive your invoice.
  • Financial reporting: Your accountant will be able to keep all financial reports up to date when you have a better invoicing system in place. Better accounting means you have peace of mind all your records are in order.
  • Online facilities: Technology allows businesses to operate digitally more than ever before. You can now create and send invoices online, simply and efficiently.

Installing simple invoice software really simplifies your accounting system while saving you time and money in the long run.

The Benefits of an Invoice Maker for Simple Invoices

The benefit of using an invoice maker for simple invoicing allows you to run your business from day one without any hitches. Keeping an eye on your cash flow is crucial at all times but even more so in those first days of opening your business.

With an invoice maker, you’re not only creating simple invoices but you’re also getting the following benefits:

  • Better customer experience: Not only will you impress your customers with professional-looking invoices but they’ll find it easier to pay you when they receive your invoice with all the necessary details included.
  • Cash flow management: Instant reporting tells you which invoices have been paid and which ones need to be chased up. You’ll also be able to see your company’s revenue status at any given time.
  • Recurring invoices: Instead of wasting time issuing recurring invoices, you can rely on invoicing software to handle it automatically.
  • Inventory tracking: You can now keep an eye on your inventory and manage your stock better. This means you can also issue simple invoices knowing you have the stock in store.
  • Allocate team members: By allocating invoicing to team members, you’re freeing up time to focus on other aspects of your business.

It makes sense to start your new business by using an invoice maker from the first day you open doors. Processing invoices properly is essential for keeping your finances in order but it can also become a tedious administrative task. But with simple invoice software, you have an invoice maker that simplifies the way you do business.

How to Make a Simple Invoice

When billing a customer, you want to create a simple invoice that includes only the most basic information. This document should be streamlined and easy to read, making it straightforward for your customer to pay.

Interested in mastering invoice creation? Explore our comprehensive article for valuable insights and guidance.

Use this step-by-step guide to help you make a simple invoice.

Step 1: Pick a Template

If you’re using invoicing software, decide on which template you want to use. Keep it simple and find a template that allows you to capture all the basic information which will be detailed in the following steps.

You can also design a simple invoice template using Word or Excel and incorporating all the information as detailed in the steps below.

Step 2: Business Contact Details

A simple invoice should include all contact details. These details include your company’s contact information such as a telephone number, email address, and physical address. The name of the company must be listed and you can also insert your logo if you want to. The company’s website details should also be included if you have one.

Your company contact details should be clearly marked at the top of your invoice.

Step 3: Customer Contact Details

You’ll also need to include all your customer contact details for billing purposes. Make sure you get your customer’s full name, physical address, email address, and phone number. With the company contact details being at the top, the customer’s billing details normally come directly below.

But, this does depend on the template style you’re using. Some invoices have the company details on one side and the customer contact details on the opposite side.

Step 4: Invoice Date

Including a date for the invoice is essential. It allows you to keep your financial reporting in order and your filing easier.  It also means your customer knows the date of the service or sale and allows them to keep all their records straight as well.

Step 5: Invoice Number

Assign a number to your invoice. Simple invoicing benefits from having an invoice numbering system. Not only can you assign a number using a sequence but it allows you track all invoices for basic accounting purposes as well as for filing.

An invoice number also gives both you and your customer a reference number whenever a discussion needs to take place around a specific invoice.

Step 6: Listing Services and Products

Listing the work done or products sold is crucial and needs to be included on any invoice issued to a customer. Keep it simple though by using a table format with columns and rows. By doing this, you can enter all the details required while making it easy for your customer to see them at a glance.

Details should include the following:

  • Brief description of services or product
  • Number of hours worked or quantity of products
  • Fee or pay rate for services rendered or cost of product
  • Subtotal and taxable amounts

This information makes up the body of your invoice and it’s key to keep it simple but detailed enough so your customer has all the information required on the page.

Step 7: Payment Terms

Every invoice, simple or not, should include the payment terms of your business. This can be briefly explained together with the type of payment methods you accept. These can be cash, credit card, debit card, bank transfer, online payments, recurring payments, and payments via mobiles.

If you charge late payment fees make sure you include this information on your invoice.

Step 8: Bank Account Details

Make sure you include your bank account details on every simple invoice issued. This minimizes any reason for your customer not paying the invoice on time. If you’re using an online invoice, you can include a “pay button” feature which simplifies payment even further.

Step 9: Amount Due and Payment Deadline Date

Always include the amount due at the bottom of the invoice. If there are applicable taxes, then include them after the sub-total column and before the total amount due. The payment due date should also be clearly stated next to this amount charged.

The amount due should be obvious on your invoice and you can do this simply by using bold font and even a different color to the rest of the information on the invoice. To avoid any confusion, stipulate the payment due date by using a specific format such as “Payment Due: 30 May 2021.” Invoices simple for business growth

Using Online Invoice Templates

While you can manually create a simple invoice, downloading an online invoice template really simplifies your invoicing process. A customizable template includes the table already inserted, saving you the hassle of drawing up columns and rows. All you have to do is add the basic information details.

Online invoice templates allows you to customize its appearance to suit your company brand making it instantly recognizable by your customers when it lands in their mailbox. What’s more, depending on the software you’re using, invoice numbers are automatically assigned in sequence whenever a new invoice is created.

An online simple invoice can also include a feature for adding up the costs, giving both the sub-total and amount due at the bottom of the invoice. And don’t forget the pay button for fast and efficient payment!

With online invoice templates, you can create and send from your mobile or your tablet from anywhere, allowing you to run your business nomadically. For small business executives who don’t want to waste time fussing with administrative tasks, customizable online invoice templates is the solution.

A Final Word on Simple Invoices

Starting and running your own small business is both challenging and rewarding. The following words will remind you of recognizing both the risk and the possibilities of being an entrepreneur.

“As ever, the accountant in me saw the risk, the entrepreneur saw the possibility. So, I split the difference and kept moving forward.” – Phil Knight, co-founder and emeritus chairman Nike.

So, while you’re out there exploring all the opportunities to grow your business successfully, make sure you’re using smart approaches to managing the operations of your company. Consider installing simple invoice software available as an app from Billdu. This way you and your team can keep operations running smoothly no matter where you are.

Simple invoices keep you moving forward, knowing your company finances are being kept in order and your cash flow is healthy and growing with every invoice issued. Take time to explore the invoice software available on Billdu’s website and watch your business grow with simple invoices.

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