Select Page

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Accounting
  4. /
  5. Knowledge
  6. /
  7. How To Create An...

Edited by: Kimberlee Leonard
 and Reviewed: Kimberlee Leonard

How To Create An Invoice

Author: | Aug 17, 2023

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Go Sifter Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.

Knowing how to create an invoice is an important step for running a company. When you run a small business you need to make sure you are getting paid. Invoicing is how your company gets money for the work you do. There are certain things you must specify when creating an invoice. If you miss something you might be paid late, less than the amount, or run into other problems.

Here is how to make a business invoice so you and your company are ensured proper payment.

What Is An Invoice?

An invoice is a totaled list of services or products. An invoice is a business’s statement of cost owed by a customer. In other words, an invoice is a very detailed bill.

The structure of an invoice reflects the record of goods or services your company provided. Details include pricing, dates, and methods of payment. When learning how to create an invoice make sure you are as accurate as possible.

When figuring out how to create an invoice for your company you will need details. It’s important for your clients to understand exactly what they are being charged for. You also want to make sure all the payment information is presented clearly.

Important Items For How To Create An Invoice

When discovering how to create invoices for a small business, be sure to include several key components. Each is a vital part to the structure of an invoice.

Date

Once you decide on a system, it’s very important to list dates. The structure of an invoice should include the date it was created and the date it was sent out. Putting dates near the top of an invoice is a best practice.

Invoice Serial Number and/or Purchase Order Number

Bookkeeping numbers are key when figuring out how to make a business invoice. Invoice serial numbers or purchase order numbers help to maintain record keeping. You can assign a client a number for a specific translation. Just make sure to list that number in the structure of an invoice.

Business Details

Your company’s name, contact info, and logo are all important when creating an invoice. Without these details, your clients are missing key information. It’s up to you to decide what you must specify when creating an invoice. Business details are essential.

Client’s Business Details

The details of your clients’ business also matter in an invoice. The business’ name, contact info, and other information are all important. For larger companies, the structure of an invoice should include a point person who will handle your payment.

Transaction Details

Services provided or goods delivered go in the transaction section for the structure of an invoice. Add all details that are worth noting. This will help you find a flow for how to create an invoice system that works best for your company.

Total Amount Of The Invoice

Listing the amount total is one of the most important parts of deciding how to make a business invoice. The dollar figure is what you must specify when creating an invoice without error. Make sure that, in the structure of an invoice, it is easy to find.

Steps For How To Create An Invoice

When you and your company decide to create an invoice follow these steps. They are all part of the structure of an invoice that helps to specify the payment details to your client. Finalizing how to make an invoice system for your company relies on the steps below.

Step 1: Gather The Correct Client Contact Information

Double check that your client’s contact information is correct in the structure of an invoice. Keep up-to-date phone numbers, emails, and addresses in your records. As you and your company decide how to create an invoice, be adamant that the correct client information is always included.

Step 2: Label The Invoice With A Serial Number/Purchase Order Number

Creating your number system is as important as how you create an invoice tracker for your company. The serial numbers or purchase order numbers must match up correctly with each invoice. Keeping a consistent numbering method in the structure of an invoice can help with accuracy.

Step 3: Itemize Your List of Services/Products That Were Purchased

Putting all the items or services in one place is essential when choosing how to create an invoice that reflects the transaction between you and your client. Details to include are a description, as well as quantity and pricing. Adding a total amount to the structure of an invoice makes it clear to the client what their outstanding balance is.

Step 4: Add Payment Terms – Including Due Dates

Be specific with the payment terms in the structure of an invoice. How you create an invoice should include detailed ways that date the payments. It should also clearly outline methods of how clients can pay.

Step 5: Necessary Notes

This section in the structure of an invoice can include any other information not already outlined. When your company finalizes how to create an invoice this section can be helpful in creating a human connection with the client. It can also include a summary of work, a closing statement, or follow-up information.

Step 6: Sign And Stamp

Figure out how to create a section for signing and stamping. Much like a notary, having this in the structure of an invoice can provide records of payment and delivery. This step in learning how to create an invoice is optional but highly recommended.

Step 7: Send The Invoice

It sounds simple but figuring out how to send an invoice is just as crucial as how to create an invoice. Electronic or in-person delivery are both goods options. Work with your clients to figure out how to create an invoice delivery method that works for both of you.

Tips To Improve Your Invoices

You might have already decided how to create invoices for a small business. That’s great! There are always ways to touch up how to create an invoice. Here are a few tips for how to make a business invoice that is a cut above the rest.

Mention Your Payment Dues Explicitly

Payment dues are what learning how to create an invoice is all about. There are ways to make sure that information is communicated even more precisely. Adding in schedules, amounts, and methods of payment in the structure of an invoice for each client and transaction ensures they are always in the client’s view.

Attach Other Documents If Applicable

You can choose how to package an invoice after you create it. Attaching your business card, a welcome letter, or your company’s website are all good options. Discuss with your company how to create an invoicing package that will inform your clients without overwhelming them.

Set Up A Schedule For Invoicing Regularly

Creating a schedule for invoicing is just as important as knowing how to create an invoice. Build a calendar that is consistent and maintainable. Knowing your billing schedule is what you must specify when creating an invoice system.

Keep Following Up On Unpaid Invoices

Discuss how to create an invoice follow-up system so you never have to track down a payment. It’s easy to get caught up in the rest of your business that invoices are misplaced or never paid. Decide on how to make a business invoice tracker for your small business. You can check more information on accounting terms for businesses.

FAQ For How To Create An Invoice

Can I Create My Own Invoices?

Yes, there are a variety of programs to show you how to create invoices for small businesses. Some free tools include:

  • Wave Financial
  • Invoice Simple
  • Invoicely

What Software Is Used To Create An Invoice?
People Management Skills: Top 15 You Should Know

People Management Skills: Top 15 You Should Know

People management skills are usually in high demand and short supply. If you are a business owner in charge of employees you should look into the skills needed for management. There are lots of ways to not only be there for your staff in times of crisis, but create a...

read more
Employee OffBoarding Checklist: 7 Simple Steps

Employee OffBoarding Checklist: 7 Simple Steps

An employee offboarding checklist is a handy tool to have as a small business owner. Workers in your company will leave, either voluntarily or involuntarily. With an employee offboarding checklist–sometimes called a “termination checklist”–you won’t skip any part of...

read more