Skip to main content Skip to main navigation
Skip to access and inclusion page Skip to search input

6 common invoicing mistakes to avoid

3-minute read

Poor invoicing practices could undermine your business cash flow. Here we tell you how to avoid some of the most common invoicing mistakes.

Key take-outs
  • Invoicing mistakes can cause significant cash flow issues for your business
  • Updating your payment methods and reviewing terms can help you get paid on time
  • Due diligence and thorough processes are key to keeping your payments on track

In Australia, small businesses wait, on average, a little over 26 days before their invoices are finally paid1. With cash flow issues being the leading cause for business failure1, it's vital you get your invoices right first time. Here are six common invoicing mistakes businesses make, and how you can avoid them.

1. Making it hard to pay

For many customers, convenience is king when it comes to making purchases. This is one of the reasons instant payment methods such as PayPal, Google Wallet and Apple Pay are becoming so popular.

 

So, if you're still limiting your customers to cash payments or cheques, it might be time to give your payment options an upgrade to an online solution. This way, your customers can pay your invoices anywhere, anytime, which can help minimise late payments.

2. Forgetting to check the details

When writing invoices, the devil is in the detail. Addressing them to the wrong person, forgetting to include a due date or providing the wrong item descriptions, for example, are all simple mistakes that can hold up your payments.

 

With a little due diligence, these kinds of errors can easily be prevented. As well as taking the time to double-check your invoices before you send them out, digital invoicing templates can help you minimise mistakes.

3. Sending out invoices late

Preparing invoices for your clients 'when you get a chance' can quickly lead to accidental slip-ups. Instead, you should aim to send invoices out as soon as the job is complete or the order is delivered. 

4. Doing it the 'old' way

If you're still using the same invoicing template you used when you first started out, you might want to check your terms and conditions. Start by reviewing your fine print first to determine whether your payment terms still apply today.

5. Not following up

Despite your best efforts, invoices can go astray and customers can forget, or neglect, to pay them. Here, a simple follow-up can sometimes do the trick. This is where online accounting and invoicing software comes in handy, as many platforms contain an automatic follow-up feature.

6. Not saying 'thank you'

Invoicing is not only about the influx of funds, it's also about building stronger business relationships and developing a solid customer base. A simple 'thank you' for choosing your services after receiving a payment can go a long way. This can help you increase the chances of attracting repeat business, so the invoices keep flying out – and cash flows back in.

 

The process of invoicing may be something you've given little thought to in the past, but falling into bad habits could be costly. By taking the time to eliminate common mistakes, you can actively help keep your cash flow on track.


Read more

What to include in your Australian small business invoice template

You’re keen to give a professional impression when online invoicing and are happy to reduce the amount of admin you have to manage.

6 ways to get your invoices paid faster

Waiting around to get paid? Here are some steps you could take to ensure your invoices get paid on time. 

7 ways to help recover debts

Getting paid on time is critical to the survival of your business. Find out the steps you could take when someone hasn’t paid their bill.

Things you should know

1.  https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/sites/default/files/ASBFEO_Payment_Times_and_Practices%20Inquiry_Report.pdf

 

The information in this article is general in nature and does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors; and we recommend you seek independent professional advice about your specific circumstances before making any decisions.