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If you're a locksmith business owner, the last thing you want to do after a hard day's work is spend time on bookkeeping and invoices. But providing a professional business invoice to your customers is how you get paid. Not only that, but the form and format of your invoice can negatively affect the image of your business if it looks unprofessional.
Skynova's invoice template allows locksmithing businesses like yours to create personalized professional locksmith invoice forms in just minutes. Instead of using Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, you can manage everything in one place through our module. Check out how to customize our locksmith invoice template below:
By using Skynova's invoice template, you can create a professional-looking invoice like the one featured above with minimal effort and time on your part. The following steps outline exactly how to fill out the invoice template and include all of the expenses and charges you need.
Including your business name in your invoice form makes it clear who has sent the invoice. It also makes it clear to the customer where to send the payment. When a customer doesn't have to search for this information elsewhere, you are much more likely to be paid expediently.
The customer's name and address are also important. Not only does it help with record-keeping on your end, but also it makes it clear to the customer that this invoice was indeed meant for them and not sent to their address by mistake.
If you will be invoicing and receiving payment electronically, it might make sense to include an email address, too. You may also wish to include your phone number so the customer can contact you easily if they have any questions about payment. Last but not least, check all the entries for accuracy. Eliminating typos helps your business maintain a professional appearance.
Next on the list is to add your invoice number. This number will allow you to track and organize your billing invoices, which can be very important, particularly if you send multiple invoices to some customers. In addition, it will allow you to determine quickly which invoices have and have not yet been paid and by whom.
The simplest numbering system for invoicing is to start your first invoice with the number 1, 001, 00001, or something similar, and to number consecutive invoices from there. You can also opt to add alphanumeric codes to the number to categorize your invoices. Just keep in mind that the primary purpose of these numbers is for your convenience and record-keeping, so choose what works best for you.
Note that Skynova's invoice system will automatically create new invoice numbers for you in increments of one so that you never have any duplicate invoice numbers.
The invoice date is usually just the date the invoice is created, though it may also be the date the invoice is sent or the date the work was completed (if different). The due date is the date the payment is due.
Your due date depends on your business's billing cycle policies. For example, some businesses set the due date 30 days or one month after the invoice date. You may also require immediate payment by stating that it is due "upon receipt."
Choosing a due date is entirely up to you, but it is best to be consistent and make your chosen billing cycle clear to your customers upfront. This way they know what to expect when the invoice will arrive and how soon they will be required to pay it.
Now it is time to begin listing billed items. Be sure to include all supplies used, such as replacement locks, lubricants, or other similar items. Clearly list the item in the description field, the Unit Price (cost for one item), and the Quantity (total number used). The Amount field should then automatically populate with the total cost for that item.
Take care when entering the item descriptions because doing so will help you keep track of the materials used. For example, instead of simply listing 'patio lock', you might describe it as '1 ⅛" by 1 ¾" keyed aluminum patio lock' and even consider including the brand name or the SKU code. Then, if there is ever a question about the item or its price, you can quickly tell exactly what it was and distinguish it from other supplies you might commonly use.
Next, you will want to include the total amount due for your labor costs. This may come in the form of hourly labor fees, flat fees for certain services, or a combination of both, depending on your typical billing practice and your customers' needs.
You might simply list "labor" or a similar descriptor in the description field for hourly labor. Then, list the hourly rate in the Unit Price field and the total number of hours in the Quantity field. The total labor cost will then populate in the Amount field.
If you offer any flat-fee services, then each such service should be listed separately. Ensure each service's description is distinct and clear and that you use the same descriptions on each invoice. This will prevent confusion down the road. Along with the descriptions, enter the Unit Price and Quantity to get the total added to the invoice.
Many businesses like to offer discounts from time to time to keep and recruit new customers. This may come in the form of a discount code or result from a referral. Be sure to list the discounts on the invoice, as well. Once you classify a discount as such, the unit price will automatically be set to negative, and the total discount will be subtracted from the other charges.
While the note section is optional, you can use it for a number of purposes. For example, you can provide a summary of services rendered, or you can add some more details about any of the billed items or discounts. Another option is to include the payment methods available.
By now, you should have a thorough understanding of how to fill out and complete an invoice using the Skynova locksmith invoice template. However, to further help you with your billing practices and procedures, we've included the tips below.
Make sure that when you set the hourly labor rate you factor in what all it should cover. It really isn't just your labor, but also your business overhead--what you spend on your tools and to keep your business running. If you are unsure what to set your pricing at, see what other similar businesses in your area charge.
Many people's least favorite part of owning a business is dealing with unpaid invoices. However, Skynova helps business owners track their service invoices to easily and clearly identify which have not been paid by their due date. The next step is simply sending a friendly reminder either via mail, email, or a short phone call. You will likely find that, for most people, a simple reminder is all that is needed, and the bill is paid promptly thereafter.
For customers who might need your services on a regular or semi-regular basis--such as auto repair shops, security system companies, and so on--they may come to expect your invoices to be the same, consistent amount. Sometimes, however, you may need to perform an additional service for a client. Always make sure you discuss such services with the client beforehand and clarify that the service incurs an additional fee. This will avoid confusion and disagreements about future invoices.
Skynova allows you to create and send professional invoices for your small business quickly and efficiently. By using our free invoice template, you can be billing your customers in no time. As a locksmith service provider, you might also want to check out other Skynova templates, including order forms, sales receipt templates, or locksmith work orders. So get started with Skynova today.
The content within this article is meant to be used as general guidelines and may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a professional accountant to ensure you're meeting accounting standards.