{"id":7946,"date":"2023-01-09T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=7946"},"modified":"2026-02-25T06:23:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T11:23:40","slug":"free-invoice-templates-professional-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-professional-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Invoice Templates &#8211; Professional Services"},"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-us\/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 Invoice Templates &#8211; Professional Services\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<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=\"2023-01-09T20:00:00-05:00\">January 9, 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 Invoice Templates &#8211; Professional Services\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-professional-services\/\"\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<\/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-us\/blog\/author\/laurenpearson\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/emiliecarolLauren-4.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Lauren Pearson<\/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<p>You provide a professional service, and you do it well\u2014shouldn\u2019t your billing method reflect that same professionalism? If you\u2019re in a service-oriented industry, your customers need a service receipt for the money they\u2019ve spent. Our free service invoice templates are the simple solution for your billing needs, providing valuable sample invoices for services ranging from car service to accounting and beyond, customizable to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\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\">Free Invoice Templates<\/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>Free invoice templates, designed for you in mind.<\/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-9571ec4e-0c5d-41b2-b0c2-e077f14fd64b\"\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>Download now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__downloads\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t24,386 readers have downloaded these templates\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/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>Our free professional services invoice template is simple and intuitive to use. Once downloaded, it\u2019s fully customizable to the specifications of your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most importantly, make sure to add your company logo and contact information at the top.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re in the type of industry that offers emergency services, up top is a good place to note that too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add and remove lines, formatting the service receipt to include only aspects relevant to your business.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What professional services businesses need to know about invoicing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Billing for professional services is unlike billing for a sale. When the transaction is over, how will the customer remember who to call next time? The truth is, business cards get lost in the shuffle quickly. A service invoice is likely to hang on a fridge or sit on a table at least until paid (and often times much longer). Anything to keep your name out there is a win. Do enough business and you\u2019ve got advertising that pays you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should be included on an invoice for professional services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The bill format for professional services varies by the specific service you provide. In general, your receipt for services should include a place for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The name of your company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00a0The name of your customer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The date the services were provided<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invoice number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A description of services rendered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quantity of hours spent on services rendered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The price you\u2019re charging for the services or your hourly rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total amount for services rendered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subtotal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional amounts such as discounts, taxes, or shipping (if applicable)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Total amount due<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to send an invoice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many professionals differ in opinion as to when to send an invoice. Some individuals prefer to send an invoice at the start of the engagement, requesting payment up-front. Others will send an invoice to the customer to be paid as soon as the work is completed. If you\u2019re unsure of how you would answer that question for yourself or business, here are a few scenarios and helpful hints that may help you decide when is the right time to send an invoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Services rendered over an extended period<\/strong>. If your services are being provided over a lengthy period of time, it may be helpful to break down the charges into parts and bill throughout the duration of the project. Divide the duration of your engagement into equal periods and submit an invoice to your clientele at the beginning or end of each interval. (For instance, if you were providing services over a 12-month period, you may want to send clients an invoice once per quarter.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pay now, pay later. I<\/strong>f you have a smaller business that\u2019s dependent on more immediate cashflow, it\u2019s possible you\u2019d want to invoice your customer before the services are completed. In that case, to retain the trust between you and the client, you may want to consider splitting the charge to be paid half up-front, and half when the services are completed to satisfaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set expectations for invoicing and payment dates.\u00a0<\/strong>Whether you have a history with a client or they\u2019re brand new, you can set the tone for your business relationship moving forward by sending the invoice on a specific date after the services have been provided.They will know when they can anticipate the invoice arriving in their hands after work has been completed, and you can also set expectations as to when you expect the bill for your services to be paid. Your customers will appreciate your professionalism by laying out clear terms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invoice like a pro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Invoicing isn\u2019t simply getting paid, although that\u2019s a big part of it. Here are a few tips to ensure prompt payment and the retention of a great working image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Make a due date or \u201cpay by\u201d date on your invoice<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 providing a deadline can be helpful to promote urgency to your customers. It also makes forecasting your company funds easier and more predictable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Include a space for recommendations<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 repeat business is the best kind of business. Providing recommendations for future services helps your customer know from an expert perspective what services may be needed down the line. As the professional, your input is valued and appreciated by clients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Include a specific invoice number<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this should be visible at the top of the invoice. It seems minor, but an invoice number makes the document easier to keep track of while exuding a subtle touch of that professionalism we were talking about.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invoicing tips from business owners like you<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Effective invoicing<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 that is, the kind that gets you paid the quickest\u2014has an element of trial and error to it. So, take notes: these tips come from business owners who have learned what works in the real world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Automation<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 this may be the number one tip you see about invoicing, and for good reason. There\u2019s no getting around it\u2014automating the invoicing process saves you time and money (two things we all could use some more of). It eliminates the factor of human error, ensuring invoices are accurate and on time, every time. Plus, it\u2019s more convenient for the customer and for you. Not sure where to start with automation? Sage Business Cloud\u2019s online invoicing can help you there, especially as you grow and are looking for ways to further automate. As a cloud-powered accounting database, Sage Business Cloud Accounting lets you take your work on-the-go\u2026 as you grow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shorten your payment terms<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 if you\u2019re finding your 15-day pay deadline is giving your customers enough time to forget to pay you, then shorten it. Try 10 days. Try a week. With the immediacy of today\u2019s consumer marketplace, people are used to paying for things quicker than they ever have. We pay for things online before they arrive at our houses. Your customers will appreciate having the transaction settled quickly and easily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follow up\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 this is a great little trick for those who forget to pay you as well as for those who \u201cforget\u201d to pay you. Following up about an unpaid invoice shows the customer you are keeping track, even if they aren\u2019t. And if you\u2019re on board with automation (which you should be), you can have your software take care of that for you as well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Need a straightforward, generic template? Check out our free,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/free-invoice-templates-simple\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">simple invoice templates<\/a>.<\/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 our 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>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/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-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\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-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/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>You provide a professional service, and you do it well\u2014shouldn\u2019t your billing method reflect that same professionalism? If you\u2019re in a service-oriented industry, your customers need a service receipt for the money they\u2019ve spent. Our free service invoice templates are the simple solution for your billing needs, providing valuable sample invoices for services ranging from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":995,"featured_media":6430,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[348,43],"tags":[299],"business_type":[40],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[],"coauthors":[606],"class_list":["post-7946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-free-guides-templates","category-money-matters","tag-cash-flow","business_type-small-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Lauren Pearson","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/08\/accounting_web.jpg","imagine_tags":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7946","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/995"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7946"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7946\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/6430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7946"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}