Guides
Learn invoicing, payments, and billing workflows for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses — without the accounting-suite noise.
Step-by-step course
Invoicing basics
A five-part path from your first invoice to collections — work through it in order or jump to what you need now.
- 1Read
Introduction
What invoices do, who needs them, and how billing fits your workflow.
- 2Read
How to make invoices
Common fields, line items, payment terms, and mistakes that slow payment.
- 3Read
Getting paid
Payment terms, reminders, and what to do when an invoice goes overdue.
- 4Read
Client billing
Deposits, milestones, and progress billing for larger projects.
- 5Read
Collections & cash flow
Follow-up timelines, escalation, and when to pause work or write off.
Getting paid
Payment terms, reminders, late fees, and follow-ups that help you collect faster.
- 8 min readTemplates
How to Write a Payment Reminder Email
Use a calm, specific payment reminder with the invoice number, amount, due date, and next step.
- 7 min read
Overdue Invoice
An overdue invoice has passed its due date without full payment.
- 6 min read
Late Payment Fee
Late payment fees should be clear, agreed in advance, and handled carefully.
- 9 min readTemplates
Invoice Follow-Up Email Templates
Professional follow-up wording for before and after the due date.
- 9 min read
Collecting Overdue Invoices
A step-by-step approach to recover payment without burning the relationship.
- 6 min read
Net 30 Payment Terms
Net 30 usually means payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
- 5 min read
Net 15 Payment Terms
Net 15 gives clients 15 days to pay and is common for smaller projects or repeat work.
- 5 min read
Net 7 Payment Terms
Net 7 usually means payment is due within 7 days of the invoice date.
- 5 min read
Due on Receipt
Due on receipt means payment is expected as soon as the client receives the invoice.
Invoice fundamentals
Quotes, estimates, receipts, numbering, and the core documents behind every bill.
- 6 min readComparison
Invoice vs Receipt
An invoice requests payment. A receipt confirms that payment has been received.
- 7 min readComparison
Estimate vs Invoice
An estimate is a projected cost before work starts. An invoice is a payment request after agreed work or milestones.
- 6 min readComparison
Quote vs Estimate
Both project cost before work starts — the difference is often tone and binding language.
- 6 min read
How to Number Invoices
Simple numbering systems that stay organized as you grow.
- 8 min readComparison
Proforma Invoice vs Commercial Invoice
A proforma invoice is often preliminary; a commercial invoice supports cross-border sale and shipping.
Client billing
Deposits, milestones, and progress invoices for ongoing or large projects.
- 7 min read
How to Invoice a Deposit
Request an upfront deposit with clear terms, remaining balance, and project start details.
- 8 min read
Milestone Invoicing for Projects
Bill clients at agreed checkpoints with clear deliverables and dates.
- 8 min read
Progress Invoicing Basics
Bill large projects in stages as work is completed.
Running your business
Freelance basics, B2B fields, and checklists before you send.
- 7 min read
Freelance Invoice Basics
What solo contractors should include on a professional invoice.
- 8 min read
B2B Invoice Requirements
Fields corporate finance teams commonly expect before approving payment.
- 7 min read
Invoice Missing Fields Checker
Common fields that cause finance teams to reject or delay invoices.
FAQ
Are these guides tax or legal advice?
No. They explain common billing workflows and document fields. Requirements vary by country and business type.
Can I create the documents mentioned in the guides?
Yes. Each guide links to the relevant free tool, such as the invoice generator, estimate generator, or payment reminder generator.
Do I need an account to read the guides?
No. Guides and tools are free to use without signup in the MVP.