Sending & Creating Customer Invoices

Most people get round to sending out an invoice when they realise they're close to running out of money. This isn't recommended. This short blog gives you some invoicing tips.

1. You need to be sending out your invoices in a timely manner.
The easiest way is to get into a routine... either every 'Friday' or on the 1st of the month or the 30th of the month - whatever date / dates work for you - send out the invoices you have. Do not fall into the trap 'when we've done the work' - as that could literally be every day, and it's too easy to 'forget' to invoice for a job.

2. Send the invoice by mail & email.
Email will get there quickly... but don't forget to put one in the mail aswell. A lot of people don't view the emailed invoice as being 'the real deal' and often ignore it. And even if they do get it, they'll still ask for one to be posted out to them - so don't wait to be asked for the hard copy (and thus delay payment further) - get the invoices out in both formats, speedily.

3. Don't forget to include your payment terms!
On your invoice - make sure you include HOW you'd prefer payment and BY WHEN. If you'd prefer a cheque, make sure you note "Please make cheques payable to ..." And if you'd prefer a BACS payment - do include your sort code and account number - and the name of the bank. It's amazing that people still omit these basic details... and won't why people take so long to pay them.

Give no-one an excuse to not deal with your invoice quickly.