{"id":7619,"date":"2023-05-11T00:21:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T04:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=7619"},"modified":"2026-01-19T07:22:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:22:20","slug":"free-invoice-templates-simple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-simple\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Simple Invoice Templates"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFree Simple Invoice Templates\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2023-05-11T00:21:00-04:00\">May 11, 2023<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Free Simple Invoice Templates\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-simple\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/owen\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/fr-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2019\/04\/Owen_sage-advice-002.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" height=\"40\" width=\"40\" fetchpriority=\"high\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Owen Sweeney<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the bottom line: If you want to get paid for any services you provide, you\u2019re going to need to supply your customers with an invoice. Consumers expect documentation of their payment. If you\u2019re looking for an invoicing solution that takes away all of the complexity of our more specific templates, our free simple invoice template is for you. We\u2019ve created a bare bones, basic invoice template to get you paid without the hassle of learning how to use the features you don\u2019t need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/presenting-the-sage-circle-of-excellence-award-winners-2021\/\">Try Sage Accounting for Free Instead<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-use-this-invoice-template\">How to use this invoice template<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Using our simple invoice template is really about as simple as it gets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download the free basic invoice template and open it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you add your name or your company name at the top.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add or remove any lines that you don\u2019t need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill it out and send it on its way!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What you need to know about invoicing using a simple invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating a simple invoice should be a simple process. If you provide a range of services, our simple invoice template may be the perfect fit for you. That\u2019s the beauty of simplicity\u2013complete customization allows you to take what we have and craft an invoice to suit your exact needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should be included on a simple invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best part about a simple invoice is the freedom it gives you to change and adapt, even on the fly. Having a blank slate to document your services can be helpful. The standard simple invoice format includes a place for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The name of your company (or your name)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The name of your customer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invoice number and\/or job and customer codes (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A description of what the customer is paying for<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quantity (if applicable) of what the customer is paying for<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much the customer is\u00a0being charged per hour or per unit (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subtotal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Line items for any taxes or discounts (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total amount being charged to the customer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, it really depends on your specific industry. If you\u2019re using this basic invoice form as a bill of sale, you may want to itemize the products sold\u2014this helps you keep track of inventory and is something the customer will certainly want to see on an invoice. If you\u2019re providing a service, you may want to leave some space for notes and future recommendations regarding that service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-to-send-an-invoice\">When to send an invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to sending invoices to clients, it\u2019s important to take into consideration your customer base, as well as the image you\u2019d like to project. Generally speaking, larger companies will send an invoice at the end of the customer engagement while smaller companies or individuals practice the \u201cdue upon receipt\u201d policy, i.e. having the invoice paid as soon as the transaction is complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Invoicing at the end of the engagement has a certain professionalism to it and gives off the sense that the business is established. For larger companies, cash flow may be calculated by monthly goals, so getting paid immediately or two weeks later is relatively inconsequential. Small businesses or individuals often adopt this policy to project that established professionalism to their customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having your invoice due upon receipt is a perfectly acceptable practice as well. Most small companies or individuals would do well to use their size as an asset, as they\u2019re able to provide more attentive service to their customers than the big companies. That said, most customers understand that immediate cash flow is essential to keeping smaller operations running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invoice like a pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Proper invoicing practice is integral to success. Here are some pro tips from Sage on the best invoicing practices to please your customers and ensure prompt payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Set definite payment deadlines\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 if your invoices aren\u2019t to be paid immediately, you should spell out a clear due date for your customers. Don\u2019t worry about coming off as pushy\u2014you are the professional and your customers understand you need to be paid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be clear\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 a simple, easy-to-understand basic invoice layout is important so your customers know exactly what they\u2019re paying for and under what terms. Being clear is also beneficial to you, as it makes reviewing and recording your invoices easier and quicker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep the client in mind\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 using a simple invoice template allows you to easily customize according to the client being billed. Subtle specificity can go a long way in showing your attention to detail and care for the customer. Itemizing goods or services, offering discounts (and listing them on the invoice itself), or even writing a personalized note of thanks to your client in a blank spot on an invoice\u2014these are the things people remember after the transaction.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Try out these tips and we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll be pleasantly surprised. When you\u2019re ready to take your invoicing to the next level by automating and streamlining the whole process, check out&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/sage-business-cloud\/accounting\/\">Sage Business Cloud Accounting online invoicing<\/a>&nbsp;tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-invoicing-tips-from-business-owners-like-you\">Invoicing tips from business owners like you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a basic invoice template allows for a ton of customization. Check out these tips from business owners who found success tailoring their invoice layout and process to suit their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Offer discounts for early payment<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 everyone loves a discount, so don\u2019t underestimate the effectiveness of such an offer in getting your customers to pay. Even a small discount off the bill total can be a great incentive for your customer to settle. Not to mention, paying less than expected is always a nice surprise for the customer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accept all forms of payment<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 the easier you make it to pay you, the easier you\u2019ll get paid\u2014it\u2019s that simple. Your customers want to pay you the way that\u2019s most convenient for them. Accepting credit\/debit cards and checks is an essential. Many modern businesses are finding success accepting payments through Paypal Venmo, and other online money transfer\u00a0services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be polite but firm\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 it\u2019s a fine line to walk between being too cold or too chummy with your customer. A good compromise is to keep the coldness in writing, where it counts. At the end of the day, you need to get paid for what you provide\u2014being firm in payment terms without excluding the niceties of \u201cplease\u201d and \u201cthank you\u201d is your best bet for getting paid without offending the customer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take your invoicing to the next level with Sage Business Cloud Accounting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Save time and save trees by switching to online invoicing with Sage Business Cloud Accounting. Upgrading is easy and can make all the difference when positioning your business in the modern world. An online presence is essential for businesses today\u2014and adapting to your customers\u2019 preferred methods of payment can set you apart from your competitors. Sage Business Cloud online invoicing digitizes and automates the billing process, making sure you get paid and your customers stay happy.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"cta-content__title\">Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-8949a954-88b2-43bb-8b8a-77c53eb34350\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s the bottom line: If you want to get paid for any services you provide, you\u2019re going to need to supply your customers with an invoice. Consumers expect documentation of their payment. If you\u2019re looking for an invoicing solution that takes away all of the complexity of our more specific templates, our free simple invoice [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":737,"featured_media":10945,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[34],"coauthors":[310],"class_list":["post-7619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Owen Sweeney","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_Accountants_0233.jpg","imagine_tags":{"34":"Accountants"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Canada English","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/737"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7619\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/10945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7619"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}