A 10-step invoice checklist to help you get paid faster

Invoicing is a vital part of running a business. Without accurate and timely invoicing your cashflow will suffer. Use this checklist, the latest in a series of business guides from Xero, to help you do it right.

Invoicing: More than just a request for payment

An invoice isn't just a request or demand for payment for goods or services, it's also a contact point with your customers. If you invoice well, you'll get paid faster. But you'll also build up a better relationship with your clients.

1. Agree payment dates and amounts with your customers in advance

A written statement of work is a good way to ensure there are no misunderstandings. You can provide estimates or quotations in advance for the goods or services you provide. Good accounting software can convert your quotes into invoices.

2. Invoice for everything and don't let anything fall through the gaps

You need to be thorough and invoice for all your costs. It's OK to give away freebies like minor expenses to generate goodwill. But do it sparingly, as your customers might expect the same treatment next time.

3. Ensure your invoices are comprehensive and itemised, with all the necessary details

If you want your invoices to be paid quickly you need more than just your company name and the total amount due. Be sure to include:

• Your business contact information, including name, address, email, and phone

• Any legally required information, like tax numbers or company number

• Your client's name and contact information. Make sure you address it to the correct person in their organisation

• A list of the services or goods provided and the prices for each. Use clear descriptions so there are no misunderstandings

• The quantity of each service or item purchased, then a column of sub-totals

• The date of invoice

• A unique invoice number. Your accounting software can generate this for you

• Your client's purchase order or sales order number (if they've supplied one)

• If you are invoicing a foreign company, indicate which currency you want to be paid in

• Your bank details for direct deposits. This needs to include your bank's name and address, account number, and other codes

• Any other methods of payment you offer, like PayPal or credit cards. Be sure to account for transaction fees, so you don't lose out

• Your payment terms, such as 14 days from date of invoice. Make sure you include the date due as well so they don't need to work it out. People typically pay two weeks later than required by the payment terms, so make the term shorter to compensate

• A request that direct payments include references, like your invoice number. Then you'll know who has paid

4. Every invoice is a branding opportunity, so use a good design and add your company logo

Spend some time finding an invoice template that shows your business at its best. Choose accounting software with customisable invoice templates to help you do this easily.

5. Send your invoices as soon as the work has been completed

For healthy cashflow, invoice as soon as you can. Every day you wait means another day before you get paid. If you're on a retainer, it's a good idea to invoice on the last Monday of the month.

6. Set reminder alerts to notify your customers that payment is due

Focus on the importance of reminding your customers but tread carefully. Automated reminders are often ignored but a human touch can make a difference and improves relationships.

7. Talk to late payers politely, but be prepared to act decisively if necessary

Cashflow is the lifeline of your business, so if reminders have been ignored, pick up the phone and talk to your client in a friendly and constructive way. If they persistently fail to pay on time, you might need to consider dropping them as clients.

8. Build invoicing into your business workflow using add-on applications

There are more benefits to online invoicing software than simply issuing invoices. It can tie in with project management tools, inventory solutions and POS (point of sale) software. All of this helps you improve your workflow.

9. Keep your invoices and other financial data safe using online applications

Online accounting software stores your data securely on remote servers. This keeps your invoices and other financial information safe from loss. It helps protect your business against fire, flooding, earthquakes and other disasters.

10. Consider outsourcing invoice management to your bookkeeper or accountant

If you don't have time to manage invoicing yourself, outsourcing can be a good option. With online accounting software, you can give secure selective access to your bookkeeper or accountant. You can still see every transaction at a glance.

Invoicing is one of the most important aspects of running your business, so take the time to get it right. Your cashflow will be much healthier as a result.

Grow your business with Xero and save 50%. Xero's online accounting software helps over 100,000 UK subscribers to stay on top of cashflow. It's easy to use and easy on the eye, with time-saving tools you can use on the go. And we're giving Enterprise Nation members an exclusive discount. Get 50% off Xero for six months.

More from the series:

• An essential guide to running your business on the move

• An essential guide to using a bookkeeper to help your business