Invoicing can be a nightmare for small business owners. Invoices need to look professional, comply with ATO regulations, and be easy to read. They also need to be issued promptly and accurately. Many customers like to delay payment as long as possible, and delays or errors in invoicing give them the perfect excuse to do so.
The problem, of course, is that invoicing is a chore. It takes time that could otherwise be spent doing payable work, promoting your business, or relaxing with your family. You know you need to do it, but it's all too easy to procrastinate. How often do you find yourself putting off your invoicing by making excuses? Maybe you've had a long day, squeezing in extra customers because it's your busy season. Maybe it's your daughter's school production. Maybe you're just really tired, and not up to dealing with invoices tonight. The next thing you know, weeks have passed, there's a pile of invoices which need to be issued, and all of your own bills seem to be coming due just when you don't have the cash to pay for them.
If this scenario sounds familiar, it's time to find a better way. You might consider setting yourself a strict schedule of when to invoice, which can be effective if you are certain you can stick to it. Hiring a bookkeeper is another option, though you need to consider whether it is cost effective for your business.
Alternatively, why not consider a mobile business management app which is linked to your customer information and can handle client billing for you? Imagine being able to send an invoice the moment you finish a job, with just a few clicks of a button. Your client can review it then and there, and you can move on, secure in the knowledge that a crucial task has been completed. This might sound like a dream, but it can be a reality with an app like PencilIn.
Bottom line? No one should be worrying about invoices after a hard day's work. Forget the homework, and banish your invoicing nightmares by choosing a solution which takes the burden off your shoulders.
