Whether you’ve recently started selling your crafts or are planning to, invoicing might be something you haven’t thought about much. It’s an essential part of not only getting paid on time, but building a trusted reputation for your new business as well.
If you’ve never created an invoice before, it can be a daunting process. But with the right tips, it will become second nature and payments will flow more smoothly.
Use Templates
Using a Google docs invoice template can make everything a lot easier, particularly for anyone who doesn’t know where to start. Templates will automatically look more professional and already include spaces for all the essential information an invoice needs. All you need to do is replace names and amounts to match the project you’re charging your client for. After the first one, you’ll have to change even less and you’ll just be tweaking each invoice and saving time.
Integrated Online Payments
Invoices that give customers the option to pay online will typically be paid quicker. These days checks are becoming a thing of the past and many younger people may not even know how to write one out. What’s more, checks take time to clear with your bank, but online transfers can be instantaneous. Just make sure that your online payments are secure so customers feel safe handing over their card or bank details. It could be worth highlighting your privacy policy to give them some extra peace of mind.
Invoicing Software
Integrating your templates with invoicing software can help to automate the whole process. Not only will the software generate your invoices for you, with all the required information and tax calculations, but it will even send your customers reminders to pay. This means no more chasing late payments and increased accuracy in calculating final fees. You’ll also be able to request deposits or up-front payments before you even begin work, which can offer an additional sense of security.
Keep it Simple
While you might think including more line items on an invoice makes things clearer for the client, they can actually cause confusion. It’s important to be transparent about what an invoice is for, but more than 5 lines can leave customers making calculations themselves. This can delay payments and lead to follow-up questions to double-check details. If invoices are coming to larger amounts of money or have multiple items or services on them, it can be best to send off more than one invoice to keep them easier to digest.
Add a Personal Touch
While keeping invoices professional is key, it never hurts to add a touch of personalization. This works especially well for anyone with a creative business. Whether you choose to add a thank you note or decorate your template with original artwork, it can make the payment process feel extra special and less transactional for the customer. These additional touches help you to cement your sense of brand and let your unique personality shine through.
