An invoice is also recognizable as a “sales invoice” or a “bill.” It is a document issued by business organizations to indicate a transaction. It also acts as a request for payment for products or services that you provided a client.
Invoices are crucial to any business. They help business owners to receive payments promptly. Invoices also help to keep track of accounts. If created properly, then these bills can also help companies build long-lasting relationships with clients.
This topic will guide you regarding the choice of an invoicing template.
What to include in an invoice
Before you start searching for an appropriate invoice, you should learn about all the points that should be a part of your bill. Here is a list of the essential inclusions of an invoice.
1. The name of the business:
The name of the company is one of the most important elements of an invoice. It doesn’t matter whether you use an invoice maker app or download an available template from the web. You must include the name of your business to make it professional and the logo too, if possible.
2. Contact information of the seller:
By adding seller contact information, you let your clients know how to contact you if they have any queries.
3. The invoice number:
The best way to stay organized and make it easier for tax departments to track you is to use a sequential invoice number. You must not forget to include this number while using the billing generator app to create invoices.
4. Terms of payment:
Small businesses have to resort to three main types of payment terms. These include common practices of the industry, relationship with the client, and your cash-flow requirements.
5. The due date:
The inclusion of due date in an invoice is a tactful yet professional way to remind clients about pending payments.
6. Contact information of the client:
Invoices contain the contact details of the company that sold the goods or services. However, it should also include the name and contact information of the buyer.
7. Product or service details:
The bill should specify descriptions, quantity, rate, amount, and subtotal. Experts say that you must add as much information as possible in the invoice.
8. Taxes:
Depending upon the laws in your country and the type of business that you do, tax requirements may vary. Therefore, you should refer to the local tax bureau to include the appropriate tax amount on the invoice.
9. Discounts:
You often offer discounts to valued clients or during special events. Don’t forget to add it to the invoice.
10. Notes:
In the end, you should consider adding a personalized note. It will leave a good impression on the client and increase your chances of receiving payments faster.
Choosing a template
Now that you are aware of the points that you must include in an invoice, you must educate yourself regarding the choice of an invoicing template. Invoice creation is a frustrating task, but not since the arrival of online invoicing.
1. Pick the right platform:
Whether you use a free invoice maker app or any other web-based invoicing platform, you can choose from a series of pre-designed templates. Just make sure that you watch out for the following while comparing the platforms.
- The different payment options accepted by the platform.
- Ease of use.
- The cost of using the platform.
You should also remember that free-of-charge platforms will demand payment from you if you accept credit cards from your clients. Conversely, if you select platforms that accept multiple forms of payment, then those transactions won’t cost you too much.
2. Templates must match the brand and business:
Once you find the right billing generator app, platform, or software program, you should seek out templates that match your brand or business. The first point of puncture involves the use of the right invoice type.
There are a few software programs available these days that allow you to choose the right one from a drop-down list. After selecting the right invoicing form, you need to pick a template that fits your brand.
3. Importance of customization:
If you search thoroughly, then you will surely find a template designed for you. However, an appropriate template should also be customizable. It means that you should be able to add your logo.
As already mentioned, if you add your logo along with the business name, you will increase your chances of receiving your payments faster than usual. If possible, you must also be able to adjust the color and font of the words and the logo.
Final Words
In the end, you have to pay attention to the small details. It is the only way to set your bills apart from the rest. Customization aids to prove that you are a legitimate company.
The smallest details require consideration too. You should inspect the margins, the distribution of white space, the size of the font, and scaling. You have to craft and place these variations meticulously to make them appear legible.
In doing so, you make it easy for your client to read the contents of the invoice. Finally, it even makes the bill clean and bestows a professional appeal upon the same.
