When to send an invoice?
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- omahadesigns
For small jobs, do you only send invoices after a certain phase or a whole project is complete?
I was working on a small project for a local business. We agreed on a flat rate with three rounds of revisions built in. I started to work on it, and after the second revision, they wanted to change the text and would get back to me.
This project is small and not a priority for any of us, but I haven't heard from them in two weeks. Is it rude to send an invoice if I follow up with them?
- matski0
Follow up with an email, and include your invoice in same email (for the works/phases to date).
- SecretPenguin0
I'd also add in your next contract that if the project is delayed longer than 60 days (or whatever number you think fair), you'll bill for work completed to date.
Hope it ends well!
- mantrakid0
Yeah if its small work, (ie not a lot of money anyway) i usually wait a month, if I haven't heard from them i just say something along the lines of 'here's an invoice for what's been completed so far, when you're ready to continue, hit me up and we can make magical eye babies together.'
- mantrakid0
If its a decent sized amount, I send them this video:
Then I stand outside their office, breathing on their windows.
- Maaku0
I send the invoice with the final piece.....
The more changes they make after the final piece is delivered the more invoices they will get as well.
- formed0
Send them an email asking how things are going. DO NOT sen the invoice now, two weeks is nothing and it would make you look pushy.
I send invoices at specific parts of the project (30%, 30%, etc., etc.)
- nocomply0
I usually send a follow-up email or place a phone call to touch base and mention that I would like to settle up our tab. Then when regular lines of communication have been re-established I hit them up with the invoice.
I've found that generally my emails containing invoices just sent out of the blue get overlooked.
- i_monk0
Send the invoice during your first meeting.
- albums0
I like getting a massive check after everything is submitted /completed. I'm currently in the final stages of 2 big projects and prefer the lump sum so I'm more frugal while I'm working, as opposed to too much frivolous spending in the interim while I should be busy, though if I ever see an account running low, I'll send a detailed invoice explaining a particular part of the project so I can get a few quick bucks without dropping the huge bill on them.
- boobs0
As soon as you've added enough zeros.
- dibec0
Any time Apple updates their product line.
- sublocked0
Like formed said if you should really have a set schedule you bill all of your projects.
Common methods of operating:
50% up front, 50% on completion
25% up front, 25% half way through, 50% on completion
No up front (not recommended), bill every 2 weeks into projectSetting up payment terms in your original contract will ease concerns like this.
If you've completed the work, I'd send them the invoice for the final bill, and surrender the work completed only when that invoice is paid.
You have to put yourself in a position not to get screwed. Clients will fuck with you through ignorance or malice - but it doesn't matter you still need your $$$$$$$$$$ !
- sublocked0
Shameless plug.....
My app Cashboard can help you with this. You can even schedule "automated reminders" that email your clients once an invoice hasn't been paid.
- sublocked0
This article also might be relevant to you:
- fourth0
if it's a known client I usually wait a month or two and compile all jobs into one. if it's a first time client I usually always try and invoice when the project/milestone is met and before they lose "the stoke" and don't feel so inclined to pay you. I find that waiting, in hopes to not be pushy, ALWAYS bites me in the ass
- omg0
I think that an invoice should be given when you expect to get paid. They can't pay you without an invoice. The question is... when do you want to get paid? Clients need time to pay for them. So the earlier the better. The early bird gets the worm. Why procrastinate?
- seriously, plus you're giving them usually 30 days from invoice to pay you. plenty of timefourth
- omg0