Invoicing And Deposits..

Hi all,

First time posting in the business section...

For all that haven't seen my other posts elsewhere, my girlfriend has decided to go self employed specialising in wedding photography.

She has had a call from someone wanting a christening which is great, something different!

However, this will be her first paid job and this now raises the question of how to invoice people. I have found many invoice templates online etc etc etc although I believe she will make her own.

I raised a point of her asking for a deposit of some kind upfront, perhaps 20% and then invoice for the rest later.

My question is, how does she go about doing this? Two invoices? One now for 20% and another invoice after the completed work for the rest of the money minus the 20% already paid?

Or can the 20% be sent via cheque from the client without an invoice and then a final invoice sent after the work is completed?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Invoice with amount already paid (deposit) + balance to be paid = total.

Stuuk1 wrote in post #14896590
my girlfriend has decided to go self employed specialising in wedding photography.

The contract needs to have a place to write in dollar amounts and terms. If you leave space on that document to record the deposit paid (usually a deposit is required at contract signing to hold the date), then you won't need an invoice for the deposit. You'll just need to send one when final payment is due.

Received from_____________ check # ________ in the amount of $________ on ___________ (date).

If she doesn't have a contract, then she needs to back up and get the horse in front of the cart.

There is a similar discussion going on in the thread at https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1220927 and I have posted my way of doing things for a wedding but the concept is the same for most that I do except for commercial accounts.

Curtis N wrote in post #14898092
The contract needs to have a place to write in dollar amounts and terms.

No it doesn't.

Mainly because the OP is in England and the currency there is Her most August and Royal Majesty's Pound Sterling and not this Dollar thing of which you speak.

Other than that I totally agree. Contract first with terms and conditions that say what the tog will do and for how much.

Curtis N wrote in post #14898092
The contract needs to have a place to write in dollar amounts and terms. If you leave space on that document to record the deposit paid (usually a deposit is required at contract signing to hold the date), then you won't need an invoice for the deposit. You'll just need to send one when final payment is due.

Received from_____________ check # ________ in the amount of $________ on ___________ (date).

If she doesn't have a contract, then she needs to back up and get the horse in front of the cart.

This makes perfect sense! Thank you