Running a small business is hard work, and a successful entrepreneur must constantly juggle multiple priorities simultaneously. One of the biggest and most important administrative tasks tends to be the most challenging, and that is invoicing.
What if there was an easier way to create stunning, professional invoices fast?
Fortunately, some small businesses have discovered the secret to staying organized, getting paid, and saving valuable time with invoice templates.
Learn just how valuable these invoice tools are for any small business. In this article, we will answer the following questions:
So, let's get started!
Imagine a small business centered around client services that didn't have a way to document customer purchases or reach out for payment? Likely, if this small business actually existed, it wouldn't be around for long. Successful companies require a standardized means of corresponding with their customers, accurately listing products provided/services rendered, and providing payment instructions.
At the core of every invoice is an itemized record of each customer purchase, money due, and a means for the customer to square the bill. Invoices come in paper and electronic forms -- with the latter being much more convenient for both parties. Depending upon the agreement between the small business and customer, invoices can either involve one transaction or schedule payments over time.
To save time, get paid fast, and exude professionalism, every small business owner should include the following components to any invoice template.
First, small businesses need anyone looking at the invoice to know it's not a receipt or unrelated correspondence. How do you ensure the customer knows what they're reading? Prominently display the word "Invoice" near the top of the document to identify to the customer that this correspondence requires them to act.
Another critical component of an invoice is the company name, logo, and address. If the customer has difficulty determining who the invoice is from, it could present the small business with challenges receiving payment. Contact information such as the address and phone number gives customers a way to reach out should any concerns arise.
An invoice should also include a unique number that helps differentiate it from other invoices. This invoice number serves two purposes: First, it helps the small business stay organized so that this document can be categorized and quickly referenced. Second, the number provides a streamlined method for the customer to refer to their transaction when contacting the small business should there be questions or concerns.
A vital element to every professional invoice is a list of services or products each customer obtained from the small business. For example, if a company sells novelty shoes shaped like bananas, the invoice should list "Banana shoes," quantity, cost per unit, etc.
The most important part of a small business invoice is the total amount owed for goods or services. This total is usually near the bottom of the document, along with payment terms such as installments. Entrepreneurs will also want to include each payment method available such as credit, bank details, Stripe, PayPal, or any other payment system the company uses. If you list all payment options, customers can quickly compensate small businesses efficiently.
There are many ways to create small business invoice templates. Small business owners can design the invoice from scratch using programs like Word or Excel. However, unless they have a keen eye for detail and design, the do-it-yourself method comes with challenges. An even better alternative is to use professional pre-made invoice templates from a reliable website. These templates give small business owners a great starting point and offer many customization options while at the same time limiting errors.
To create a professional small business template, complete the following three simple steps:
Go to Invoicer.ai and download a professionally crafted template in the format of your choice.
These include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, PDF, and Open Office.
Brand your invoice template with your logo, company colors, etc., and fill in all required fields.
To save time, save your new small business invoice template on your computer and use it for future invoices.
Overall, pre-made small business invoice templates are an excellent alternative to creating invoices from scratch. They tend to be more professional by including company branding and information, goods/services rendered, and clearly defined payment terms. Invoicer's selection of professionally-made small business invoice templates will help streamline your invoice process. Unfortunately, as reliable as invoice templates are, they require additional work like double-checking for errors and miscalculations.
Want an even better alternative?
Try our intuitive, convenient, and affordable invoice creator to create invoices in seconds. With Invoicer, effortlessly customize invoices with company branding, track quotes with payment reminders, utilize real-time updates, automation, and so much more, so you get paid on time every time.
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Get unlimited access 100% FREE for 14-Days, and you'll see how easy invoicing can be!
