Example of basic invoice template

You work hard to provide great products and services to your customers, so don’t make invoicing just as hard on you. Let Wave help you with cumbersome administrative tasks like invoicing. Get a little help running your business by using one of our easy-to-use, fully customizable example invoice templates in Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. Stop stressing over invoicing, and use the time you save getting back to work to bring in new business!

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Choose the best example invoice template for your business

Business professional

This invoice template is so flexible so it can be used to bill all clients – no matter what business you are in. Add or subtract lines to describe all the details with this professional, full-customizable example invoice template.

This invoice template is so flexible so it can be used to bill all clients – no matter what business you are in. Add or subtract lines to describe all the details with this professional services invoice template.

Freelance

Don’t waste any more time trying to come up with the perfect invoice for each client. Use your time drumming up new freelance work instead. This free example invoice template can be easily customized to meet all of your invoicing needs.

Don’t waste any more time trying to come up with the perfect invoice for each client. Use your time drumming up new freelance work instead. This example freelance invoice template can be easily customized to meet all of your invoicing needs.

Labor

No matter how big or small the job, make invoicing for your labor a breeze with this example invoice template. It can be used to bill all of your customers by adding lines to include all the necessary payment details.

Retainer services

You can download, customize, and send this invoice to all your retainer clients – no matter what services you provide, or industry you work in. This example invoice template is easily tailored for any time period or length of contract.

You can download, customize, and send this invoice to all your retainer clients – no matter what services you provide, or industry you work in. This retainer invoice is easily tailored for any time period or length of contract.

Pro Forma

Cut down on any misunderstandings about the prices you have charged. This free example invoice template can be used as a pro forma invoice to give an estimate of your services ahead of time, and can be customized to your exact requirements.

Cut down on any misunderstandings about the prices you have charged. This pro forma invoice template can be used to give an estimate of your services ahead of time, and can be customized to your exact requirements.

Alternatives to using example invoice templates

Make your business a success by finding out more about what Wave can offer you. Save time and take even more work off your hands by trying our free automated invoicing and powerful accounting.

Start sending free invoices today

Why you should send professional invoices

Illustration of invoice being sent

Whether you provide retail products, online shopping, or expert freelance services, you need an invoice that clearly lists your work so you are paid properly and in a timely manner.

Our example invoice template is flexible enough to be used for any small business or freelance career. It allows you to create clear, organized invoices with room for all the important details.

The polished, elegant design also instills confidence and credibility in the professional work you provide, as well as your personal brand.

How to fill out your basic invoice

Once you've downloaded your free invoice template, you'll need to customize it to fit your specific business. Here are the 10 key things to include on your invoice:

  1. Title and Description: Name the project and briefly describe what type of work your client is being invoiced for.
  2. Company Details: Add your company name, address, phone number, and logo to the top-right corner.
  3. Customer Details: Under "Bill To", add your customer's name, address, and contact information.
  4. Invoice Number: Include a unique invoice number to help you track down this invoice in the future. You can format this based on sequence and customer. For example, if you're sending your very first customer their first invoice,  the invoice number could be 001-001.
  5. Dates: Include the date when your invoice has been issued and the date when payment is due.
  6. Line Item: Add individual line items for each unique good or service you provided. For each line item, include a brief description, quantity, individual unit price, and total price.
  7. Subtotal: Add up the subtotal of your goods or services, before tax has been applied.
  8. Tax: Indicate the tax rate applied to the subtotal. This is legally required to provide on invoices, and your rate may differ depending on where you run your business.
  9. Total: Outline the total amount due from the customer, after tax.
  10. Notes: Include any additional info your customer should know, including terms of service and payment terms (for example, payments are due 30 days after the invoice has been issued).

What should be included on an example invoice?

Follow these quick steps and this flexible example invoice template will help you receive timely and accurate payment from all your customers!

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  • Look through our wide selection of example invoice templates in attractive designs and colors, and pick the one you like
  • Download the template you have selected in the format you want to use for invoicing – such as Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, or Google Sheets. Best of all – it’s free!
  • Add your business name and contact information. If you provide emergency 24-hour service, or any other special services – make sure you mention it here
  • Insert your beautiful company or personal logo, company website address, and highlight any professional qualifications or certifications you have
  • Add in your client’s name and current contact information
  • Generate a unique invoice number and add it to the example invoice template
  • Include the date of the invoice, and the payment due date
  • List the products or services you’ve provided, and the price for each based on an hourly or flat rate
  • Simply add more lines to tailor the example invoice format to include all the details so your customers know exactly what they are being charged for
  • If you are including a discount, add a line explaining the reason for the discount so your customer knows they are getting a real deal
  • Calculate the total price, including applicable tax, and enter the total at the bottom
  • Include your payment terms, including the methods of payment you accept
  • There is room on the example invoice template to add extra lines for a personal touch to thank the customer for their business, or to comment on the success of the project
  • Save the invoice – and email it to the client!

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When is the right time to send an example invoice?

The right time to send your invoice generally depends on the type of business you are in. Some small businesses provide an invoice at the time of purchase, or wait to send an invoice when services have been rendered.

As an independent business owner, it’s vital to keep the revenue flowing in, so customize your example invoice template to charge for payment up front, or for a percentage of the estimated cost up front, with the remainder paid upon completion. This is especially useful for a large project spanning weeks or months.

Whatever payment cadence you choose, make sure it’s clearly noted on each invoice, and clarify what portion of the final ‘cost’ has been paid to date.

Illustration of hourglass timer

Invoice tips that are perfect for any business

Accept the latest electronic payment methods

Keep in touch

Add some self-promotion

Consider shortening your payment terms

Free Invoice Template vs. Wave Invoicing Software

Wave
Free Invoice Template
Price
FREE
FREE
Send unlimited invoices and see when clients open them
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Invoice anytime & accept payments online
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Send automated late payment reminders
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Know customers automatically get a receipt when they pay
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Track sales and sales tax for accounting
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Add business partners or accountants as collaborators
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Connect your bank account easily
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Access accountant-approved reporting for year-end
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