Consultants often lead busy lives, so you donβt want to waste time creating invoices for all your clients. Instead, you can create a sample invoice for consulting services. Ensuring you have a quick and easy template to reach for when it comes time to invoice your clients.
This guide covers how to make a consulting template, with a free downloadable version to get you started.
Every time you perform consulting services, youβll need a way for your clients to pay you. Often, this starts when you send them an invoice for consulting services.Β
An invoice has many purposes, from notifying your clients that payment is due. To helping you manage your cash flow. A template for your invoices can help you maintain a professional image. But it will also ensure you donβt miss any details.Β
A consulting invoice template has several benefits for your business. Which will help you to foster positive client relationships. Hereβs why you should use one:
Whether you start from scratch or use an existing template, youβll need to know how to customise the invoice. Hereβs everything you need to know.
Start with a blank document or download a pre-designed template. Then, customise your invoice with a business logo, your colour scheme, and name. Make sure it looks professional, whether youβre a sole trader or own a small consulting business.
Clearly include your client information. You should personally address your invoice where possible, or ensure the business is clearly listed. Youβll need to add:
Your invoice should include a brief description of the services you offered. Along with the quantity of services or any other relevant information. This way, your clients know exactly what theyβre paying for.
Often, this is a simple description, such as βsecurity consultationβ or βlegal consultation.β However, depending on the scope of your work, you might want to invoice for other things such as equipment. Make sure to include a breakdown of these as an itemised list.
For each item on the list, record the price. Include this as a breakdown, then add the grand total at the end. If applicable, make sure you include any taxes separately.
If you discussed a discount with your client, you can also include it in the price breakdown.
Always add a date to the invoice to show when you sent it. This will help you in case of unpaid invoices, as you have proof of when you sent it. Plus, itβs better for your records.
You should also add an invoice number. The number should follow a specific convention, so itβs easy to search for in your records. When you use accounting software like QuickBooks, you can create invoices automatically to save you the trouble.
The bottom of your invoice should include possible payment methods for your client to use. This could be your business bank account or details for your online payment processor.Β
You should also include contact information, like your email address and phone number, for the client to contact you.
Optionally, you can also add the payment terms. This could be a payment due date, providing clarity that helps your client stick to deadlines. This may also include a late payment policy that encourages your client to make the payment in time.
Need inspiration? Download our free consulting invoice example and customise it to suit your business.
Managing a growing business can be difficult, but you can make it easier with QuickBooks. Streamline your expense tracking and invoicing so you can focus on the aspects of your business that you love to do.
