Complete Guide • 10 min read

How to Invoice Clients as aContractor (Get Paid Fast)

Getting paid can drag on for weeks without a solid process. Learn the professional invoicing process that gets you paid in 12 days or less.

Quick Stats

Weeks
Average wait with paper invoicing
12
Days with proper invoicing
73%
Faster with online payments
91%
Pay on time with reminders

The 4-Step Professional Invoicing Process

1

Complete the Job

Finish all work and get client approval

Pro Tips:

  • Take before/after photos
  • Get written sign-off
  • Document any changes
2

Create Invoice Immediately

Don't wait - invoice same day

Pro Tips:

  • Use professional templates
  • Include all details
  • Add payment terms clearly
3

Send Multiple Ways

Email AND text for best results

Pro Tips:

  • Send while still on-site if possible
  • Include payment link
  • Confirm receipt
4

Follow Up Professionally

Automate reminders to get paid

Pro Tips:

  • First reminder at 3 days
  • Second at 7 days
  • Call at 14 days

What Every Professional Invoice Must Include

Your business name & logo*
Builds trust and professionalism
Invoice number*
For tracking and taxes
Date & due date*
Net 15 or Net 30 standard
Client name & address*
Legal requirement
Detailed line items*
Transparency prevents disputes
Materials & labor separate*
Shows value breakdown
Tax calculation*
Must be accurate
Payment methods accepted*
Make it easy to pay
+
Thank you message
Improves relationships
+
Next service reminder
Generates repeat business

Pro Tip: ThePocketBoss automatically includes all required elements in every invoice. Just fill in the job details and send.

5 Invoicing Mistakes That Cost You Money

Mistake #1: Waiting too long to invoice

Result: Clients forget or dispute charges

Solution: Invoice same day, ideally before leaving job site

Mistake #2: Handwritten invoices

Result: Look unprofessional, errors common

Solution: Use ThePocketBoss for professional digital invoices

Mistake #3: No payment terms

Result: Clients pay whenever they want

Solution: Clearly state "Due upon receipt" or "Net 15"

Mistake #4: Not following up

Result: Payment can drag on for weeks

Solution: Automated reminders get you paid in 12 days

Mistake #5: No online payment option

Result: Creates friction, delays payment

Solution: Accept cards/ACH with ThePocketBoss

Example: Professional Contractor Invoice

ABC Plumbing

License #123456

123 Main St, City, ST 12345

(555) 123-4567

INVOICE #1001

Date: Dec 12, 2024

Due: Upon Receipt

Bill To:

John Smith

456 Oak Ave

City, ST 54321

DescriptionQtyRateAmount
Kitchen sink installation1$450.00$450.00
Garbage disposal unit1$275.00$275.00
Labor (2 hours)2$125.00$250.00
Subtotal:$975.00
Tax (8%):$78.00
Total:$1,053.00

Payment Options:

Thank you for your business!

Start Getting Paid Faster Today

ThePocketBoss makes professional invoicing simple. Send invoices in 2 minutes, get paid in 12 days average. Just $19.99/month.

2min
To create & send
12 days
Average payment
$19.99
Per month
Start Professional Invoicing

Credit card required • Unlimited invoices • Cancel anytime