What is an Invoice? Definition, Examples & Tips

customer invoice

Bank account setup can also be error-prone for your customers. Stripe Invoicing automates how businesses support B2B payment methods. No, invoices are not legally binding documents on their own. Invoices do not contain proof that a business and its customer have agreed on the terms of payment outlined in the invoice. To reduce the chances of a disputed invoice, businesses may create contracts that outline the details of a transaction. Contracts signed by both parties can act as legal documents, reduce the chance of misunderstandings about transactions, and may help speed up the payment process.

customer invoice

You may choose to set invoice payment terms of up to three months to give your customers the flexibility to manage their cash. Invoices do not contain proof that a business and its customer have agreed to the terms of payment outlined in the invoice. To reduce the chances of a disputed invoice, businesses may create contracts that outline the details of a transaction. Contracts signed by both parties can act as legal documents, reduce the chance of misunderstandings about transactions, and may help speed up the payment process.

Write clear product descriptions

Do yourself a service and skip making a template from scratch. Instead use one of the many free invoice templates provided here. Invoices, especially digital ones, help you get paid faster. For example, with Square Invoices you can save time by customizing your invoices and sending recurring invoices, no matter what type of business you have. You should enter every product or service you provide as a line item on your invoices. At the bottom of the invoice, add up all of the line items, and apply any tax charges.

customer invoice

They may be inflexible when it comes to receiving payments on terms other than the ones set by them. When setting payment terms, consider how to handle late payments. You might also consider a customer’s credit history when developing payment terms, particularly for large sales. Way back before indoor plumbing, paper, or even the alphabet was invented, humans were sending each other invoices to keep track of their accounts.

Freelancer/contractor invoice template

No matter which choice you end up going with, the sooner you invoice, the sooner you’re likely to get paid. The most essential factor that you, as a business owner, need to take care of is when to send invoices to your clients. Using these invoice examples, you can send a more professional-looking invoice with the details you’ll need to get paid more efficiently.

customer invoice

Email your customer a unique link to a Stripe-hosted invoice page from a custom email domain or stripe.com. Each invoice is optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop with a responsive design that offers Apple Pay and Google Pay. With just a few clicks, email your customers a PDF invoice or a link to a Stripe-hosted invoice page where you can accept payment online. One of the benefits of using Wise Business is that you can receive multiple currencies to one account. Your customer can pay in their local currency without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees, which can help you get paid faster.

Build a Custom Invoice

Before a client or customer sends payment for a service or product, businesses need to present an invoice so they can see a breakdown of what exactly they’re paying for. This gives them a clear idea of where their money is going and ensures everyone is on the same page. A customer invoice is a detailed bill that businesses send to their clients, listing the goods and services bought, their prices, and the total amount due. While it serves as a record of the sale, it also gives customers a rundown of all the details they need to know. An invoice is a document prepared by the merchant to receive payment for the service and goods supplied.