Invoicing and taking payment from customers (2024)

Your invoice must include:

  • a unique identification number
  • your company name, address and contact information
  • the company name and address of the customer you’re invoicing
  • a clear description of what you’re charging for
  • the date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
  • the date of the invoice
  • the amount(s) being charged
  • VAT amount if applicable
  • the total amount owed

Sole trader invoices

If you’re a sole trader, the invoice must also include:

  • your name and any business name being used
  • an address where any legal documents can be delivered to you if you are using a business name

Limited company invoices

If your company is a limited company, you must include the full company name as it appears on the certificate of incorporation.

If you decide to put names of your directors on your invoices, you must include the names of all directors.

VAT invoices

You must use VAT invoices if you and your customer are VAT registered.

These include more information than non-VAT invoices.

Invoicing and taking payment from customers (2024)

FAQs

How do you politely collect payment from customers? ›

How to ask for payment from clients
  1. Professional - go straight to the point, don't waste time, and be firm when discussing overdue payments.
  2. Polite - remain calm, do not yell or accuse your client.
  3. Persistent - continue reminding your client in a calm manner, and don't be pushy or aggressive.
Jun 12, 2024

How do you respond to a supplier asking for payment? ›

Tips for How to Reply to a Payment Request Email
  1. Be concise. Keep your email as brief as possible while providing all necessary information to address the vendor's inquiry. ...
  2. Include invoice details. Vendors are often tracking several invoices at once. ...
  3. Use professional language. ...
  4. Avoid negativity. ...
  5. Proofread.
Feb 29, 2024

How do you manage invoices and payments? ›

How do you effectively manage invoices?
  1. Implement invoice management software. ...
  2. Create a comprehensive checklist of information for each invoice. ...
  3. Use your invoice management software to optimize your cash flow. ...
  4. Comply with all established payment terms. ...
  5. Monitor your accounts payable efficiency.

What are the best practices for invoicing? ›

Best practices for invoicing

Always ensure that your invoices contain all necessary information, such as contact details of both parties, a unique invoice number, the date, a detailed list of products or services provided, the total amount due, and payment terms.

What do you say when collecting payment? ›

Example – Hi [Customer Name], this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. I'm calling about your overdue invoice [invoice number] for [amount due] which was due on [due date]. I wanted to check in with you to see if there was a reason the payment has been delayed and if there's any way we can assist.

How do you take payments from customers? ›

How to collect payments from customers
  1. Ask for payment upfront.
  2. Be clear and forthright about your payment expectations.
  3. Send follow-up emails.
  4. Offer an adapted invoice schedule.
  5. Reach out to others at the company.
  6. Consider dropping the client.

How do you collect outstanding payments from customers? ›

Tips for collecting outstanding and unpaid invoices
  1. Set clear terms. ...
  2. Send reminders. ...
  3. Institute a late fee. ...
  4. Send an overdue invoice (with a different layout) ...
  5. Go analog. ...
  6. Offer flexible payment options. ...
  7. Seek professional legal advice.

How to ask for payment without being rude? ›

When being professional in your request letter, the most important thing to keep in mind is not to make things personal – don't discuss why you need to be paid on time or how on-payment affects your business. Focus on making a clear demand and providing helpful information.

How do you politely query an invoice? ›

Call the company. Before you write a formal letter to the company, call the contact number listed on the invoice to rule out simple error. Be calm and courteous on the phone, and state that you have a question about the invoice you received. Allow the company's representative to explain the invoice to you.

How do you respond to someone asking for payment? ›

  1. Say a straightforward, direct and plain 'No'.
  2. Give palatable reasons, to refuse the money.
  3. Give relevant reasons, to refuse the money.
  4. Writing or putting your refusal, through another person.
May 24, 2024

How to collect payment from customer email? ›

Be clear and direct: State the purpose of the email in the subject line and opening sentence. Provide context: Give a brief background on the payment due, including the invoice number and amount owed. Be polite: Use a friendly and professional tone throughout the email. Avoid using aggressive language.

How do you handle an invoice payment? ›

Monitor your accounts receivable regularly to identify any overdue invoices. Send polite reminders to clients or customers who have not paid their invoices on time. Implement a systematic process for escalating overdue invoices, such as sending a final notice or involving a collections agency if necessary.

What is the process of invoicing a client? ›

Client invoicing practices FAQ

In order to receive payments, companies should create invoices and send them to clients automatically. They can either use invoicing software, or a payment gateway that creates them automatically upon payment.

How do you organize invoices and payments? ›

To sort out invoices effectively, start by organizing them chronologically or alphabetically by vendor or client name. Use designated folders or digital folders within accounting software. Implement a consistent naming convention for digital files to facilitate easy retrieval.

How should I invoice my clients? ›

Make sure you include at least the following information in every invoice:
  1. Your business contact information.
  2. The client's contact information.
  3. Invoice date and number.
  4. Each product sold or service rendered.
  5. Total amount due.
  6. Payment terms.

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