When your invoices don’t get paid, you need to be firm but polite, and patient but consistent even though the work is completed. Sometimes or rather with some clients, it is more challenging to get your money than the work you just completed.
If you follow the invoicing etiquette listed below, you might find a way to receive faster and more frequent delinquent payment. Invoicing etiquette will maintain a professional rapport with clients and will result in recurring business and referrals as well. Let’s get started:
1) Choosing the right invoicing platform
It is important to choose a best online invoice app as it will consist of features and functionalities that would get you through your daily invoicing activities with ease such as expense reports, creating professional invoice estimates, etc. Make sure that it is a good and promising invoicing software that also lets you customize your invoice the way you want with adding signature and company logo. Moreover, keep in mind not to change your invoicing platform as it will confuse your customer. Using the same invoicing app will let them know what to expect as they are familiar with the software, your invoices style and they also trust that it’s secure.
2) List your terms and services upfront
Avoid the surprise elements in your invoices. Through the invoice estimates and preliminary negotiation, your client should clearly be expecting an approximate, due date and services rendered listed in the invoice. The purpose is that your client should be clear about the services and products that were sold in the bill. Any hidden cost will not only delay the payment but also will break the trust resulting in losing the business.
3) Follow policies
Be consistent and following the invoice policies is part of the invoice etiquette game to get you paid on time. For e.g, if you mention “due in 30/60” and “due on receipt” on the two consecutive invoices then your customer will be confused. Moreover, the same can be explained in terms of fluctuating with the tax also. Hence, keep consistency and follow the policies and stick to the terms as per invoice agreement set initially.
4) Include contact information
Letting your customer reach you anytime in the event of dispute or query/feedback through the contact information is primarily regarded as the highest in the list of invoicing etiquette. Irrespective whether you are carrying the first time transaction with a new customer or dealing with a years old one, ensure that your invoices at least consist of your business name, address, phone number, and email address.
5) Set easy payment channel
This is another way to ensure to get paid on time, by offering multiple and easy payment methods like PayPal, Stripe, Debit/Credit Card, etc. Make sure to accept a variety of business payments by including payment links in your invoices.
6) Be courteous and humble
It has been observed that simply using kind words and verbiage in your invoices has increased the chances of getting paid on time by 10%. You can use “Please pay your invoices within” or “thank you for your business” will sound appreciative and establish strong relationships with your clients.
7) Go for a partial advance payment
There is no harm in asking for payment upfront for the materials and inventory you need to complete the project, especially, if its a large and time-consuming project then it is normal to request half payment upfront. Also, on the other hand, it ensures that the client is equally serious about the project.
Concluding Note:
Moon Invoice, an invoice estimate app is simple in User Interface, sober in features and sophisticated for all Small & Medium Enterprise and Businesses. Designed with the highly integrated intelligent system, get all the invoicing solutions with an app to have a hassle-free business operation.
