An invoice is a formal document used by a seller or service provider to request payment from a customer. An invoice lists the products or services provided with their prices, the total amount due, and the payment terms.
For Example:
Imagine you're a freelancer. After completing a project, you send your client an invoice showing the work done, how much it costs, and when they need to pay you.
So this invoice becomes a part of your business records and helps you track your income.
Why Invoices Matter to Businesses:
An invoice template is a pre-made document that you can use as a business to request payment from your customers for products or services. It contains sections for key details such as your business name, logo, and contact information, as well as the customer’s name and contact details. It also includes an invoice number, issue date, and due date.
Invoice template also provides a list of the goods or services provided, along with their individual prices, any taxes, discounts, and the final amount that the customer needs to pay. It may include payment terms, accepted payment methods, and sections for extra notes or special instructions.
Using an invoice template helps to make sure that your billing is consistent, accurate and professional. It also makes it easier to manage records and stay compliant with legal requirements.
Different businesses need different types of invoice formats depending on their product and services, frequency of billing, and client requirements. Here are the most common types of invoices:
A standard invoice is the most common type. It’s used to request payment after providing goods or services. It includes details like the item list of what was sold, prices, taxes, and the total amount due.
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill which is given before the sale is completed. It gives the customer an estimate of the cost but is not a request for payment yet.
An e-invoice is an electronic version of a regular invoice. It’s sent and stored digitally which makes it faster and easier for businesses to manage billing and payments online.
A recurring invoice is used for ongoing services, such as monthly subscriptions. Such invoices are automatically sent at regular intervals like every month, quarterly or yearly to request repeat payments from client.
A time-based invoice is used when a business charges for work by hour, for ex. for consulting or freelance work. It lists the number of hours worked on the project and the hourly rate of the same.
A credit invoice is issued when a customer is given a refund or discount for a previous purchase of product or service. It adjusts the total amount due by reducing the original invoice amount.
A debit invoice is sent when there is an increase in the amount due. It can be used if the initial invoice was undercharged or additional costs were added or correction is required in it.
A sales invoice is used when the sale of a product is regular. It includes details of the items sold, their prices, and payment terms. And it’s used to request payment after the sale.
A purchase invoice is issued when a business buys goods or services from a supplier. It includes the details of what was purchased and the amount due for payment.
A commercial invoice is used for international shipments. It includes information like the description of the goods, their value, and country of origin and it is very important for customs clearance.
You might think that invoices are just for big companies who make big transactions…But it’s not True!! Invoice templates aren’t just for big companies, it is for anyone who earns money from products or services. Here are some examples of professionals who benefit from invoices the most:
Why Invoices Matter to Businesses:
Whether you're running a full-time business or side hustle, invoice templates helps you bill professionally and stay organized.
Select an invoice template that fits your business needs. You can use pre-designed invoice templates in Excel format provided above or use invoicing software like insidash billing app which has invoicing features & much more for your business needs.
Start by selecting an invoice template that best suits your business needs and branding. You can use ready-made Excel invoice templates, Word documents, Google Sheets or modern invoicing tools like the Insidash billing app which not only allows you to create invoices quickly but also helps manage clients, track payments, and maintain financial records. Choose a format that's professional, customizable and easy to update.
Sending professional invoices does more than just ask for payment, it helps to build trust as a business and improves professional image.
Here’s why it matters:
1. Creates a strong first impression to new client
2. Reduces payment delays as the due date is mentioned in the invoice itself.
3. Improves communication with clients.
4. Helps in legal and tax compliance.
5. Avoids confusion and disputes between two-parties.
6. Makes you look like a professional.
An invoice is often the last touchpoint in any business or project, so it is important to make sure that it’s neat, correct, and clear.
While pre-made invoice templates are great, insidash software helps you take your business invoicing to the next level. Below are some features that helps you make your invoicing process easier:
In insidash you can create and send professional invoices in just a few taps which saves your time as compared to manual templates.
No laptop? No problem. You can create, edit, and send invoices right from your mobile phone from insidash app.
You can access your invoices from any device, anytime. Your data stays updated in real-time wherever you go.
With insidash you can instantly send invoices to your clients via WhatsApp. No need to save, download, convert it to PDFs, just tap and send. So it speeds up communication and gets you paid faster.
You can add your logo and branding to personalize your business invoice. So you present your brand professionally.
No need for a calculator when you are using insidash. It automatically adds up your totals, taxes, and discounts which reduces the chances of errors.
With insidash never chase payments manually again. You can send auto-reminders to clients for unpaid invoices.
Easily organize and track invoices with customizable numbering to fit your workflow.
You can see exactly how many days each invoice has been pending. So stay on top of your collections and plan follow-ups better.
Your invoices are securely stored and backed up and it is accessible anytime, even if you switch devices.
When you manage your billing in insidash you can get the help when you need it. Our responsive support team is just a message away.
