Working as a freelancer, and your client has asked for an invoice?
This condition might alarm you because, as a freelancer or sole proprietor, you might have no business structure or invoicing experience.
Well, many things happen for the first time, and from there, we uplift our learning and experience. Invoicing is something like that. You must manage it efficiently because it defines your business’s cash flow level.
According to Forbes, about 39% of all invoices are paid late, and about 61% of late payments are due to invoice errors.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Freelancers and sole proprietors can generate invoices even if they don’t have a business structure or registered company.
- An invoice should cover business details, client details, line items, total amount, payment terms, and signature.
- Freelancers or sole proprietors can streamline their administrative tasks using invoicing software.
- Professional invoices help leave an impressive mark on the client and encourage timely payments.
How Do You Make & Send an Invoice Without a Company?
Create professional invoices simply by choosing reputable invoicing software like Moon Invoice. Its 66+ customizable templates ease the invoicing process while also committing speed and accuracy. Instead of opting for pan and paper-based billing, it is always better to choose an invoicing system.
Follow the below steps to create your first invoice:
1. Choosing, Downloading, & Customizing Invoice Template
Initially, you need to choose an invoice template that best suits your needs. The template should align with your business nature and theme. Once you download the template, start customizing it and set the layout according to your requirements.
2. Fill In the Details
The next move is to fill out the details to create an invoice. Your invoice should include personal and client information along with the line item and total payable amount. While filling in the details, you must be careful about correctness and clarity. Let’s see which information you need to fill in:
- Invoice number (unique for every invoice) – Define your invoice and help to track invoices.
- Invoice date – Refers to the date on which the invoice was issued.
- Due date – This refers to the last date on which the client can make the payment.
- Currency – This reflects the currency that you accept. It is especially important for international deals.
- Purchase Order number – This number refers to the purchase order number.
- Client’s full name
- Client’s corresponding address, along with the zip code
- Please include a contact number that will make it easy for your client to contact you
- Your full name
- Your full address, along with the zip code
- Your contact details, along with phone number and email address
- What payment process do you accept – Net 15, Net 30, Net 60, or Net 90?
- What payment method do you accept?
- What currency do you accept for international trade?
- Any other relevant guideline
2.1 Invoice Details
You must mention the invoice details, such as the invoice number, invoice date, currency, and due date. If necessary, you can also mention the purchase order number. Every detail has a different purpose:
2.2 Your Client Details
Client information refers to the details of the client for whom you are issuing the personal invoice. This section covers the following details:
2.3 Your Details
Please include your details so that your client can identify from whom he received the invoice. As a business operator, you must clearly mention your details. This section should cover the following details:
2.4 Line Item Details
This is one of the most important sections of an invoice. Cover your line item details, reflecting the purchased product or services rendered by the client. The best practice is to present the details in an itemized form, along with the cost breakdown. This will enhance the client’s understanding and minimize confusion.
2.5 Payment Terms
Including payment terms helps your client to gain clarity over the payment. Always provide the points that reflect the payment conditions. It must include the listed points:
2.6 Signature
You can include your signature to give a professional look to the invoice. Invoicing softwares like Moon Invoice provides the option to add a digital signature. You can effortlessly create your signature and utilize it in your invoice.
3. Rechecking Invoice
Once you fill in the details, you must cross-check the invoice before sending it. A manual rechecking approach is sufficient to identify any errors. This will protect you from encountering issues due to sharing an incorrect invoice.
4. Invoice Sending
The final step is sending the invoice to the client. Moon Invoice offers two simple online approaches.
- WhatsApp Sharing – Send an invoice directly to your client’s WhatsApp number.
- Email Sharing – Send an invoice directly to the client’s email account.
Apart from this, the client can share a physical invoice by taking a printout. However, this is a time-consuming process.
Choosing Moon Invoice = Right Invoicing Path
Streamline your freelance billing with us. Faster pay, faster finance growth.💸
Key Challenges and Solutions for Freelancing Invoice
Freelancers and other independent contractors face many challenges while invoicing. Some of the challenges are as follows:
Payment Delay
Freelancers and sole proprietors often experience payment delays, which can lead to bad cash flow and weak financial health for the company.
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Solution:
- Use an invoicing tool to streamline the invoicing process.
- Opt for an automated invoicing concept.
- Chasing unpaid invoices
- Always avail of auto reminder for all overdue payments
- Set clear payment terms
Creating a Professional Invoice
Due to a lack of billing experience, freelancers, startups, or sole proprietors often fail to create professional invoices. This leads to an unmanageable billing process, which in turn leads to late payment.
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Solution:
- Use reputable invoicing software and professional templates.
Miscommunication
Miscommunication often occurs during invoicing for freelancers. Since they have no registered company, it might be difficult for the client to contact them. This communication gap also gives rise to overdue invoices.
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Solution:
Freelancers must mention their contact details on the invoice.
Dispute
Controversies might take place between freelancers and clients during the billing process. Handling such disputes becomes another headache for small businesses.
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Solution:
- Always keep a clear communication.
- Be responsive to your client.
Top Suggestions for Smooth Invoicing
- Always include correct and relevant information.
- Revamp the invoicing process and financial management with the power of automation.
- Cross-check invoices before sharing them with the client.
- Offer multiple payment options to the client for convenience.
- Don’t forget to mention payment terms to maintain transparent business relationships.
- Include payment terms in clear and understandable language.
- Follow up on all unpaid invoices promptly.
- Utilize accounting software for accurate financial tracking.
- Adopt payment reminders to remind clients of all the invoices that are due.
- Always send invoices on time with your client to receive on-time payment and positive client relationships.
Why Choose an Invoicing Solution for Your Freelancing Business?
An invoicing solution is crucial for your invoicing process, even if you have no registered company. It streamlines the overall invoicing process by providing the following benefits:
Add Efficiency and Professionalism
Invoicing software is always helpful in increasing your invoicing efficiency while reducing administrative burden. Moreover, it adds a professional concept and helps you create a professional invoice. Using the invoicing solution, you can establish clear client communication.
Brings Advancement With Technology
With invoicing software, freelance professionals can nurture their billing process. They can leverage the technology to set automated payment reminders, accept online payments, and simplify international transactions. Professionals can also easily gain insight into financial statements and generate reports.
Ease Bookkeeping
With the right invoicing solution, the recording process can be simplified. Freelancers and individual professionals can systemize their recordings. All the details are recorded systematically on one centralized platform, which helps access and retrieve information anytime and from anywhere.
Final Statement
So, how do you invoice a company as an individual? We have presented the complete guide on this question. Remember, you must always treat your invoicing process with dedication and attention, even if you have no registered business or company. This is crucial for smooth cash flow for your small business.
Online invoicing tools are the best medicine for your invoicing issues and overall financial management. However, you must choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Experience it practically with Moon Invoice!