Writing Invoices

Turn billing from a chore into an opportunity to accelerate revenue and improve client relations.  Below are tips for writing bills that compensate you, keep clients happy, and satisfy ethical obligations.    

Tips
Agreement - use engagement contracts to avoid fee disputes.
Frequency - select a monthly or quarterly billing cycle based on the circumstances of each case.
Content - avoid legal jargon, include an itemized list of what was done, who did it, when it was done, how long it took, and why it was done.
Communicating - add a handwritten personal note to invoices to give them a personal touch.
Expenses - include overhead and administrative costs in your fee (instead of billing separately for them). 
Payment - provide e-payment alternatives; state the deadline and penalty for late payments.
Automating - use an app to track time, issue bills, and avoid overbilling claims.

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