Guides
Invoicing guides for people who bill for their work.
Short, practical answers to the billing questions freelancers, contractors, and service businesses actually run into — how to invoice, what terms to use, how to handle deposits, and how to get paid on time. Written and maintained by Stephen Fox, the developer behind FreeInvoices.co.
Invoicing basics
How to Make an Invoice (Step by Step)
What every invoice must include, a step-by-step walkthrough, the mistakes that delay payment, and a worked example you can copy.
6 min read
Invoice vs. Estimate vs. Receipt: What’s the Difference?
The three core billing documents explained — when each one is used, what belongs on it, and how they connect from quote to proof of payment.
5 min read
How to Number Invoices (Systems That Scale)
Three invoice numbering systems with examples, the rules that keep your books audit-ready, and what to do about voids, gaps, and mid-year changes.
5 min read
Your First Freelance Invoice: A Complete Checklist
Everything a new freelancer needs to bill a first client properly — what to agree before the work, what goes on the invoice, and how to get paid fast.
5 min read
Getting paid
Invoice Payment Terms Explained (Net 15, Net 30, Due on Receipt)
What net 15, net 30, EOM, and 2/10 net 30 actually mean, how to pick terms by client type, and how late fees work — with wording you can copy.
6 min read
Handling Partial Payments on an Invoice
How to record partial payments, when to offer a payment plan, issuing receipts per payment, and keeping the balance due unambiguous.
5 min read
Payment Reminder Emails That Get Invoices Paid (4 Templates)
A reminder cadence that works and four copy-paste email templates — from a friendly nudge before the due date to a firm final notice.
7 min read
What to Do When a Client Won’t Pay an Invoice
A calm escalation ladder for unpaid invoices — from confirming receipt to demand letters and small claims — plus the habits that prevent repeats.
7 min read
Billing workflows
Deposit Invoices and Progress Billing: A Practical Guide
When to ask for a deposit, how much is standard, how to credit it on the final invoice, and how milestone billing keeps long projects cash-positive.
6 min read
How to Invoice Labor and Materials (Without Disputes)
Time-and-materials billing done right: separating labor from materials, standard markup ranges, sales tax basics, and an example invoice layout.
6 min read
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