Creating Business Invoices that Get You Paid

If you are a small business owner you understand that getting paid by your customers in a timely manner is important. It is not uncommon to see a small business with their receivables at more than 60 days delinquent. A big part of not getting paid by your customers comes back to the invoice you send out. Many times a customer doesn't pay because the invoice they received from you is incorrect or is missing important details. It is important that you small business invoice be clear, professional and easy to read. Here are some simple tips to help your small business get paid quickly:

1. Leave No Blanks on the Invoice

There is nothing more frustrating to a customer than an invoice that is incomplete. Verify that the invoice that is going out to your customer has all fields completed with no blanks. This includes all the information your client needs to pay the invoice, such as the date, purchase order numbers, the account number, complete descriptions of items or service, and finally the tax ID number. By including all the information you are helping your customer to process the invoice quickly so that you can get paid.

2. Invoice the Customer Now

Many small businesses have a lag time between when the order is completed and the invoice is generated. That lag time could add more than a week towards collecting on that invoice. Invoicing your customer immediately tells them that this should be a priority and that you take your business seriously.

3. Online Invoicing is the Future

Online invoicing will reduce costs for your small business. By the time you generate a traditional paper invoice, include postage, and time spent creating it your payment cycle could take up to over a week. Online invoicing can cut that time to about three or four days on average.

4. Promote Your Small Business on the Invoice

Many small businesses miss the opportunity to promote and market other products or services on their invoices. Use your invoice to offer your customers discounts by attaching a coupon with it. If you are invoicing a customer for a car wash, give them a coupon towards a full car detailing or a car wax special. Your invoice is going to a customer you already have, take the opportunity to expand your business with them.