What are Invoices?

Invoices are formal billing documents that detail the products or services provided to customers, along with payment terms and due dates. They’re essential for:
  • Professional Billing: Send detailed, branded invoices to customers
  • Payment Tracking: Monitor which invoices are paid, pending, or overdue
  • Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive billing history
  • Tax Compliance: Generate reports for accounting and tax purposes
  • Customer Communication: Provide clear payment instructions and terms
Invoices can be customized with your branding, payment terms, and specific line items for products or services.

Creating Invoices

1

Navigate to Invoices

Go to Invoices in the Devdraft Console.
You’ll see your existing invoices or an empty state if you’re just getting started.
2

Create New Invoice

Click Create Invoice to start building a new invoice.
3

Add Customer Information

Enter or select customer details:
  • Customer Name: Full name or business name
  • Email Address: For sending the invoice
  • Billing Address: Complete address for tax purposes
  • Phone Number: Contact information
4

Add Line Items

Include products or services:
  • Description: Clear description of each item
  • Quantity: Number of units or hours
  • Unit Price: Price per unit
  • Tax Rate: Applicable tax rates
  • Discounts: Any applicable discounts
5

Configure Invoice Settings

Set up invoice details:
  • Invoice Number: Auto-generated or custom
  • Issue Date: When the invoice is created
  • Due Date: Payment deadline
  • Payment Terms: Net 30, due on receipt, etc.
  • Notes: Additional information for the customer
6

Review and Send

Preview the invoice and send it to your customer via email.
Invoice creation form with line items

Invoice creation interface showing line items and customer information

Invoice Configuration

Basic Settings

Invoice Essentials

  • Invoice Numbering: Automatic or custom numbering system
  • Currency: Select from supported currencies
  • Language: Choose invoice language
  • Tax Configuration: Set up tax rates and rules
  • Payment Terms: Define standard payment terms

Customization Options

1

Branding

Customize invoice appearance:
  • Logo: Add your company logo
  • Colors: Use your brand colors
  • Fonts: Select professional fonts
  • Layout: Choose from template options
2

Payment Methods

Configure accepted payment options:
  • Online Payment: Direct payment links
  • Bank Transfer: Account details
  • Check: Mailing address
  • Cash: For in-person payments
3

Automation

Set up automated features:
  • Auto-send: Send invoices automatically
  • Reminders: Payment reminder emails
  • Recurring: Set up recurring invoices
  • Templates: Save invoice templates

Managing Invoices

Invoice Status Tracking

Invoice Statuses

  • Draft: Invoice is being prepared
  • Sent: Invoice has been sent to customer
  • Viewed: Customer has viewed the invoice
  • Paid: Payment has been received
  • Overdue: Payment is past due date
  • Cancelled: Invoice has been cancelled

Invoice Actions

1

View Invoice

Access invoice details and history.
2

Edit Invoice

Modify invoice details before sending.
3

Send Reminder

Send payment reminders to customers.
4

Mark as Paid

Record payment when received.
5

Download/Print

Save invoice as PDF or print copy.

Bulk Operations

Bulk Invoice Management

  • Send Multiple: Send multiple invoices at once
  • Update Status: Change status for multiple invoices
  • Export Data: Download invoice data for accounting
  • Apply Discounts: Add discounts to multiple invoices
  • Send Reminders: Remind customers about overdue invoices

Payment Tracking

Payment Status

Payment Tracking

  • Paid: Full payment received
  • Partial: Partial payment received
  • Pending: Payment in process
  • Overdue: Payment past due date
  • Disputed: Payment under dispute

Payment Methods

  • Credit Card: Online card payments
  • Bank Transfer: Direct bank transfers
  • Digital Wallets: PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.
  • Check: Traditional check payments
  • Cash: Cash payments

Payment Reconciliation

1

Match Payments

Link received payments to specific invoices.
2

Record Partial Payments

Track partial payments and remaining balances.
3

Handle Overpayments

Manage customer overpayments and credits.
4

Process Refunds

Issue refunds when necessary.

Reporting and Analytics

Invoice Reports

Key Reports

  • Aging Report: Outstanding invoices by age
  • Revenue Report: Total invoiced vs. collected
  • Customer Report: Invoice history by customer
  • Tax Report: Tax collected and owed
  • Payment Report: Payment method analysis

Analytics Dashboard

Performance Metrics

  • Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
  • Collection Rate
  • Average Payment Time
  • Overdue Percentage
  • Customer Payment Patterns

Business Insights

  • Revenue Trends
  • Customer Payment Behavior
  • Seasonal Patterns
  • Cash Flow Projections
  • Collection Efficiency

Best Practices

Invoice Best Practices

  • Clear Descriptions: Use detailed line item descriptions
  • Professional Formatting: Ensure invoices look professional
  • Prompt Sending: Send invoices immediately after service
  • Follow Up: Send payment reminders for overdue invoices
  • Accurate Information: Double-check all customer and item details
  • Consistent Numbering: Use a logical invoice numbering system
  • Payment Terms: Clearly state payment terms and due dates
  • Contact Information: Include multiple ways to contact you

Use Cases

Service Businesses

Professional Services

  • Consulting: Hourly or project-based billing
  • Legal Services: Detailed time tracking and billing
  • Creative Services: Project-based invoicing
  • Maintenance: Recurring service invoices

Product Sales

Product Invoicing

  • Wholesale: Bulk product sales
  • Custom Orders: Special product requests
  • Installation: Product + service packages
  • Warranty Work: Service under warranty

Subscription Services

Recurring Billing

  • Monthly Services: Regular service subscriptions
  • Software Licenses: Recurring software access
  • Membership Fees: Club or association dues
  • Maintenance Contracts: Ongoing service agreements

Troubleshooting

Next Steps

Explore these related topics to enhance your invoicing process: