Does your invoicing process seem a bit disorganized and messy? If you want to really streamline your processes and avoid wasting time when dealing with invoicing, it’s important to think of ways to build on your current processes. From using the right tools (such as Clover™ station POS bundle) to establishing clear billing terms, here are four easy ways to improve your invoicing process for your customers.
1. Use the Right Billing Tools
Every professional industry requires certain tools to operate efficiently. No matter what industry you’re in, chances are, you probably provide services that cost money. That means you need to invoice or bill your customers. If your process isn’t streamlined, it will not only make it harder for you to collect money owed to you in an efficient way, but it will also make it more difficult for your customers to promptly pay you.
Fortunately, there are billing tools that can help make this process much easier for both you and your customers. A wireless credit card scanner is a great way to collect money right away so you don’t ever need to invoice your customers. But for situations where you don’t demand immediate payment, it’s a good idea to invest in good invoice management software. You don’t have to select the most expensive type of software available. Just opt for something that can help you keep better track of your invoices and send them out quickly and consistently. Some point-of-sale companies also offer invoice tools to make life easier for you.
2. Keep Invoices Simple
You don’t need to go into too much detail when creating your invoices. Unnecessary details will only make your invoices look more cumbersome to your customers. Instead, keep your invoices as simple as possible without leaving out any necessary information. For example, instead of using the full names and item numbers of products, try shortening descriptions if possible.
You should also make sure each invoice is clearly labeled as an invoice so customers know they need to take action and pay them. If possible, purchase your franchise management POS system from a company that also offers invoice management software. It will make things simpler and easier for you than going to multiple companies for your various finance-related software needs.
3. Establish Clear Billing Terms
One of the most important things you can do for the sake of your customers and your billing process is to make sure your billing terms are very clear. Make sure new clients understand your billing terms before purchasing from you so there are no surprises later on.
The best thing to do is to establish these in detail within your contract. Some contract lifecycle management software will also enable you to set up reminders for specific dates, such as payment dates and renewal dates. These ensure that the terms are not only clear, but are also reinforced throughout the duration of the contract.
4. Be Prompt
If you expect your customers to pay you promptly, you should make sure you’re sending out invoices promptly. Make it a habit to be as consistent and reliable as possible when it comes to your invoices. Your customers should quickly understand that they’ll always receive an invoice from you as soon as a product or service is delivered to them, or within a few days of said service.
These are all great ways to take the guesswork out of invoicing. Implementing them will not only help your customers learn what to expect from you, but will help streamline your invoicing process so it’s less of a hassle on your end as well.
