When you want to get paid for your work, you often need to issue invoices. As you prepare your invoice, though, it’s important to make sure that all the necessary information is included.
You want to get paid faster, and that means you need to provide the right information on your invoice. Here are 5 things you don’t want to forget on your invoice:
1. How to Send Payment
It seems obvious that you should include your payment preference on your invoice. However, it’s sometimes a detail that others overlook.
Before you send your invoice, make sure you have included your preferred method of payment, and how it can be sent to you. Whether you need to include an email address for PayPal, or whether you need to provide a mailing address for a check, make sure all the information is there.
2. Due Date
Including a due date on your invoice can help you create an expectation of payment. Add a due date to your invoice to provide a sense of urgency.
In some cases this might not work as well as in other cases, though. Some clients, especially larger clients, might have a policy of paying on a Net 30 or Net 45 basis. Understand which of your clients have these types of limitations, and calculate due dates accordingly.
3. Details About the Work
Most clients aren’t going to just take your word for it that they owe you money. You should include details about the work you did, whether you include the number of articles you wrote, or whether you itemize the name of each piece of the work. Sometimes, it also helps to include the date you turned in your work.
Adding details about the work can make your invoice more believable and result in faster payment since it’s easier to verify.
4. Applicable Terms
Don’t forget to include applicable terms on your invoice. If there are specific agreements you have with a client, make sure to reiterate them on your invoice. You don’t want to end up with a client who doesn’t remember the agreement and is reluctant to pay.
Make sure to have certain terms listed so that there is no question about the situation later. These terms should accurately reflect the agreement you have with the client. You can use your invoice management system to create templates that include these terms so that you can save time and energy.
5. Thank You Phrase
Finally, don’t forget to be professional and gracious on your invoice. Thank your client for his or her business. This can be an important way to make a connection, as well as indicate that you are grateful for the patronage. You are more likely to get repeat customers when they know they are valued.
Your thank you doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple and straightforward thank you message can be effective. Maintain professionalism in your communications with clients, including with your invoice. You want to come across as competent and capable, and the right thank you message on your invoice can help with that.
