What is an invoice payment? (2024)

An invoice payment is a scheduled payment a customer makes toward the balance of goods and services rendered.

An invoice is a document showing details of any goods or services sold and requests an amount payable for these services.

It will also normally include the date, a unique invoice number, quantities and information about VAT. Payment details and credit terms are also often included.

Invoices are issued by your business to your customers and they will trigger the payment for the product or service you have supplied.

Make sure you get this process right to increase your chances of getting paid on time and avoid awkward conversations with your customers.

Invoice payments can be made and requested in many ways.

The popular route for many businesses is sending invoices electronically, or e-invoicing.

E-invoices are emailed to the customer with the same details as the paper version, and they include a way for the customer to pay the invoice directly from the invoice.

You can also use your accounting software to manage your invoicing.

Common invoice requirements

Your invoice should include everything that the receiving party might need to process your invoice. This limits the chances of your invoice being paid late because of missing information.

Your invoices should include these basic components before you take the step to process an invoice:

  • Your company name
  • Your trading address
  • Methods of contact (your name and how to get hold of you, should there be a query)
  • What your customer bought (a description – don’t forget, the buyer may not receive your invoice, but just be asked to sign off the amount)
  • Who ordered the goods (this is not mandatory but it can help)
  • An invoice number (your file number, for easy reference)
  • The date (don’t forget this, it’s vital)
  • How you’d like to be paid (another hugely important element but one a large number of people forget)
  • Credit terms (i.e. payable immediately, or within 7, 30, 60 days, etc)
  • The amount you are charging
  • Your bank details (very important if you want to receive the money)
  • Any stage payments
  • Whether VAT is applicable

What are invoice payment terms?

The terms of an invoice payment will vary, depending on your cash flow and financial obligations. You can set your own payment terms and any due date that you choose.

If you don’t set a payment date, the customer must pay you within 30 days of receiving your invoice for the goods or service.

You can also offer discounts for early payment and payment upfront to encourage prompt action.

Invoice examples

Create an invoice that looks professional and provides the person receiving it with all the information they need to know.

This will give you the best chance to get paid on time and reduce the chances of being paid late or you needing to chase an unpaid invoice.

Remember, many companies have a department that is one step removed away from the person who made the buying decision.

See our free invoice templates as an example of a customer invoice that you can use for your business.

What is an invoice payment? (2024)

FAQs

What is an invoice payment? ›

An invoice payment is a scheduled payment a customer makes toward the balance of goods and services rendered. An invoice is a document showing details of any goods or services sold and requests an amount payable for these services.

What is invoice in simple words? ›

An invoice is a document given to the buyer by the seller to collect payment. It includes the cost of the products purchased or services rendered to the buyer.

What is an invoice answer? ›

An invoice is a time-stamped commercial document that itemizes and records a transaction between a buyer and a seller. If goods or services were purchased on credit, the invoice usually specifies the terms of the deal and provides information on the available payment methods.

What do you say when sending an invoice for payment? ›

Key Elements of an Invoice Template
  1. Your business details (name, logo, contact information)
  2. Invoice number.
  3. Full name and contact details of the customer.
  4. Invoice date.
  5. Due date.
  6. Due amount.
  7. Itemized list of services/products along with the breakdown of rates and prices.

What is an invoice payment example? ›

For example: Please make payment in the amount of [0.00] for invoice number [001] by [date] via [PayPal, credit card, etc.]. In one line, you've told them the invoice number, the total amount due, when to make payment by, and the payment methods you accept.

How do you write an invoice payment? ›

Here's how to write an invoice the right way:
  1. Make an invoice template.
  2. Add company and client details.
  3. Individualize your invoice.
  4. List products and services.
  5. Determine the total due.
  6. Put in payment terms.
  7. Thank your customer for their business.
  8. Send your invoice.

What is called invoice payment? ›

Invoice payment, also known as accounts payable, is the procedure by which a business pays a vendor for items and/or services it has procured. Let's understand how invoices work.

What is the main purpose of an invoice? ›

The primary purpose of an invoice is to formalize the agreement between the seller and the buyer regarding the sale of goods or services. Invoices serve several essential functions: Request for Payment: An invoice is a formal request for payment, specifying the amount due and the due date.

How do you explain invoicing? ›

Put simply, you can define an invoice as any document that details the costs due for the sale of particular goods or services. It serves as a notice that the terms of the existing agreement have been completed and that the customer should now provide disbursem*nt for those goods or services.

What is an invoice for dummies? ›

An invoice is a document that you send to your client after they purchase goods or services from you, both as a means of recording the sale and of requesting payment from them. Specifically, an invoice declares in writing what exactly the client purchased, when they purchased it, in what quantity and at what price.

Can I use an invoice as proof of payment? ›

Is an invoice proof of purchase? Although invoices may be used as proof of having requested goods or services, or as proof of an outstanding formal agreement between a buyer and a seller, they do not provide proof that a service has actually been paid for.

Do I need an invoice to pay someone? ›

In-person sales - Invoices are not mandatory

It is not required to issue invoices for in-person transactions unless you are both VAT registered businesses. For in-person sales, you can simply offer the customer a payment receipt. However, if the customer requests an invoice, you should give them one.

What is a good sentence for invoice? ›

Payment is due within 30 days after receipt of the invoice. The invoice price is not the same as the MSRP or sticker price. Over the course of a year it was paid off as legal fees, as was the invoice. An invoice for payment will be sent to you with the Zoom link.

What is the best wording for an invoice? ›

The wording of an invoice should be as clear as possible. Plainly state the invoice date and due date, amount owing, and services provided. If an invoice or its accompanying email contains vague language, the client can be left confused, misinterpret information, and be late sending payment.

What is a nice message to put on an invoice? ›

You might say something like, “Thank you for your order. Remember you save 20% if you pay within 5 days. That's a $15 savings on today's invoice.” Or, if you're trying to promote electronic payment, you might say, “Thank you for your business. Save 10% if you pay online.”

Does an invoice mean you owe money? ›

An invoice contains information about how much money a customer owes. This document is considered an invoice by the business that has provided the goods or services to the customer. The customer who receives this invoice then records this document as a bill that needs to be paid.

Does invoice mean paid or unpaid? ›

What is an invoice? An invoice is a demand for payment (delivered either electronically or physically) that's sent by the seller after the sale of goods/services has been completed, but before payment has been made. In essence, invoices are used to ensure that your business gets paid.

What is the difference between a bill payment and an invoice payment? ›

What is the difference between invoice and bill? Basically, sellers issue invoices to request payment from buyers, while vendors or suppliers issue bills to request payment from buyers. Invoices are issued before payment is made, while bills are issued after payment.

Does invoice mean pay later? ›

Invoices for payment are commonly issued when transactions are paid on credit (meaning the payment is due at a later date). When businesses make the decision to offer credit terms, they're taking on risk by allowing payment to be deferred.

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