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How on earth do you invoive a customer? I've been asked to send one...?

ultimatecreate wrote:How on earth do you invoive a customer? I've been asked to send one...?

It just needs to be a typed piece of A4, really. Put INVOICE at the top, their name and address, your name and address, the date, an invoice number, the amount you're invoicing, a description of the product or service you're invoicing, and the words "TERMS: STRICTLY 30 DAYS" at the bottom.

If they pay through Paypal, you can just print one off the site....

There are legal requirements to fulfil regarding invoices.
You might want to look here: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/ac ... 1073791759

Edit: The link only works when you copy and paste it for some strange reason.

Can I just make up an invoice number? Might it look unprofessional if I write "Invoice No. 0001" as I have never written an invoice before? I just don't want to worry the clients.

You can give them an invoice with any number, so long as you keep the number in your own records.

if you've got Microsoft Excel or Works then look in the template section as these come with some ready made up invoices.

ultimatecreate wrote:Can I just make up an invoice number? Might it look unprofessional if I write "Invoice No. 0001" as I have never written an invoice before? I just don't want to worry the clients.

See the comments on the document below. It works for my purposes, but I don't think there are any specific legislation on private invoices in the US.

http://www.roblaughter.com/docs/SampleInvoice.pdf

Ciao,
Rob

Ok - did the gig friday 1st June and handed over the invoice on the day. Still haven't received the cheque.

Realise they have 30days to get this to me, however I wondered what action can be taken if no payment is received?

Thanks again for all those who helped me create the invoice by the by!

Alex

If it's a company and y9u've put 30 days on the invoice then generally, they will take that amount of time before paying. Many companies also only pay their invoices and print cheques on certain days of the week. Example - in our office the accounts department input all of the invoices across the working week but only print payment cheques and pay electronic transfers fortnightly on a Wednesday.

I would recommend that you wait until the last week of June and if you haven't had the payment then follow up with a polite email or phone call to the person that booked you. They will usually sort it out.

If they don't pay then you can use the small claims system and do this online. If it reaches that stage then let me know and I'll send you the web site link to do this. I've used it once before and it's easy.

some advice I received the other day was to send out the invoice/confirmation letter before the gig, stating clearly that payment is due on the day.

depending on how this is handled, the money or cheque will be there.

Yep - it's alwasy recommended to agree terms of payment before the gig.

When I work for corporates I agree to submit a pro-forma invoice. This means that you can submit it in advnace of the show so that they have time to raise the cheque and hand it to you on the day of the show, after the performance.

I've never had any objection to this arrangement and I walk away with payment on the day.

excellent - thank you!

Hey guys - had a mare. STILL waiting on this cheque - did it on the 1st June. Apparently they lost the first invoice and sent them another near the end of July. Each invoice was instructed to pay within 30 days and I have given them a polite call near the end of July. THey just told me accounts was dealing with it and they are not the fastest at getting around to invoices. Wondered if I should proceed with a nastier call? Please advise - thanks.

Alex

You know what, something you can do without falling out etc. which I've done a few times for freelance jobs...

Phone up. Act all nice and pleasant. Comment that you're passing by later and you are popping in for the cheque.

You will usually get one of two answers:

1. That's not convenient (for whatever reason)
2. That's fine

If the answer is 1. then say you will hold the line to find out when the cheque is going in the post. Mention that you've been quite patient and want to tie this one up before you close your books for the year.

Worth a shot?