6 Reasons Small Business Owners Love Invoices
As a small business owner, you’re responsible for a wide range of tasks, from overseeing employees to stocking inventory to engaging with customers. That said, oftentimes your top priority is simple: accept payments and keep the business running. That’s why it’s important to consider alternative ways to accept payments, especially during a year as unpredictable as 2020.
That’s where invoicing comes in. Invoicing is one of the most well-known and reliable remote payment tools on the market. In this article, we’ll explain why small business owners love invoices and how they can help your business accept payments seamlessly.
1. Invoices keep customers happy
When your customers are happy, you’re happy—and invoicing can help improve a customer’s overall experience with your business.
First, giving your customers the option to pay you after a product or service has been provided can increase the chance they’ll return. For example, if you’re an artist or craftsman, chances are you may receive a bulk order every once in a while. Including all the products or services into an invoice helps both you and your customer keep track of what they got and how much it costs. Allowing your customers the option to pay after a product or service has been provided gives you a better understanding of who they are and what they like, improving their satisfaction a little more every time.
Second, issuing invoices can help your customers keep tabs on their own finances. Everyone wants to keep track of where their money is going, and invoicing helps your customers do exactly that. Having an invoice with detailed descriptions of the products or services, the costs of items purchased, the date it was purchased, and the date the payment is due can help your customers stay on top of their payment records.
2. Invoices can promote your business’ brand
An invoice is another form of communication between your business and your customer. With communication comes branding, which shows your customers your company’s voice, tone and style. Invoices are just another place where your brand can shine.
When branding your invoices, you’ll want to think about specific and detailed items to include, such as:
What layout your using and what it looks like
Font, color and stylization
Featuring your company logo
3. Invoices help you get payments on time
Not only do invoices keep your customers happy and promote your brand, they also help you get paid faster. Including all the right information gives your customer everything they need in order to pay you on time.
A few things to include in your invoice to help you get paid faster includes:
The invoice number
The date the invoice was issued
Company name and address
Company contact information
Description of the product or service provided
The total amount due
An overdue charge, if applicable
Including all of this information can help a customer know exactly what they owe and what next steps they need to take to pay you. With SumUp Invoices, you can create and send invoices within seconds that include all of this information, all from your smartphone or tablet.
Including a due date can also help you nail down when you need the payment, while helping your customer see exactly when the payment is due. You can also include an overdue fee to drive your customer to pay, helping you get paid faster.
Having all of this information on your invoice can help both you and your customer. With the overview of everything they purchased, descriptions of the products and services provided alongside your company contact information, you’ll be able to help your customer understand exactly what needs to be paid and when: a win-win.
4. Invoices keep things professional
You may not realize it, but issuing invoices help your business look more professional. They have a big impact on a customer’s overall experience and branded invoices show them that your business is trustworthy and legitimate.
Professional invoices also can help you stand out from competitors in your area. An invoice that includes all the necessary information increases the likelihood that your customers will enjoy their experience and improves the chance they’ll come back to your business in the future.
5. Invoices help you stay organized
At the end of the day, invoices are legal documents that help you and your customer keep tabs on where money is coming and going. Keeping a record of your invoices helps you stay organized and updated with an invoices status, whether it’s been sent, viewed, paid or overdue. As simple as it sounds, they help you and your customer stay on top of finances.
6. Invoices keep you on track
Invoices are becoming one of the most convenient ways for a customer to pay—and they help both you and your customer keep track of finances.
It’s also important to note that there could be a case where your customer hasn’t paid you, even with due dates and reminders. Invoices are legal documents that actually show proof of purchase if you ever need to take further action.
Because keeping track of your invoices is a top business priority, we’ve designed an easy and quick way for you to create invoices all from your smartphone or tablet. With SumUp Invoices, you can easily keep track of your invoices without the need for additional paperwork or documentation.
Try SumUp Invoices today!
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