So my LLC got approved about three weeks ago. I've got a client who's been waiting on an invoice from me since last week. I keep opening the spreadsheet and then closing it. It feels weird to send a bill for something I enjoyed doing. Any tips on getting over this? Or should I just tell them it's on the house and move on?
Invoicing
My LLC is approved, but I haven't sent my first invoice
Send the invoice. If you don't, they'll expect it free next time too. Been there.
I used to feel the same way, then I remembered that my landlord doesn't accept 'enjoyed doing it' as payment.
What's holding you back?Is it the amount, the wording, or just the act of asking? If it's the template you're missing, I can dig up the one I used for my first few. Very boring and professional-looking, which is good.
Honestly it's the wording. I don't want it to sound like I'm nickel-and-diming them, even though it's just the agreed rate
They agreed to the rate already. Sending the invoice is the normal part. Not sending it is the weird part.
Just send a PDF and a two-sentence email. 'Thanks for the project. Invoice attached, due in 14 days.' You are not asking them for a favor. You're completing a business transaction. Sincerely, someone who also procrastinated their first invoice for six weeks.
Wait until you have to chase a late payment. Then you'll long for the days when sending the invoice was the hard part
Honestly the first one is the worst. After that it's like brushing your teeth.
One tdhing nobody mentioned: make sure the invoice includes your LLC name, the client's name, an invoice number, the date, and the due date. And check if your state has any weird requirements. Mine didn't, but a buddy in another state had to put a specific payment terms line in. That That's more administrative than emotional, though.
Also send it from a business email if you have one. Gmail is fine but a plain 'invoice' subject from a personal address can look like spam to some AP departments.