Invoice

[McNulty]

Hi all!

wondered when you invoice the customer, do you list what materials you have used followed by the total of the materials? Or do you just write the total plus 20% and not descride/itemise what you have used? Just didnt know if i had to prove what materials ive used on the invoice instead of just writing a total?

Cheers , Mcnulty

 

[petercj]

Hi all!

wondered when you invoice the customer, do you list what materials you have used followed by the total of the materials? Or do you just write the total plus 20% and not descride/itemise what you have used? Just didnt know if i had to prove what materials ive used on the invoice instead of just writing a total?

Cheers , Mcnulty

It's up to you how you structure your invoices.

A good compromise is to list the parts separately if people want such detail.

You are required to keep accurate accounts for HMRC.

 

[woodsy]

If i've given a price then i just lump everything together as what i've used is up to me. If its as a result of a call out then again i just lump it together unless they request a breakdown which then i believe they are entitled to in my opinion. I found early on when i wanted to be seen as transparent and show how honest and straight i was that i only caused problems for my self by showing all invoices broken down. Customers when given all the details will then question bits, prices and even hrs. Final straw was when an older chap questioned my 5hrs on the invoice as i had only been there 4hrs 40 mins.!!!

 

[nicro3]

Agree with Peter, as long as it tallies with your estimate/quote, plus extras, day work etc itemized in a way that can be understood

 

[McNulty]

how do i go about adding the 20%, do i add that into my labour or materials total cost? as i obviously keep my reciepts from the plumbing merchants for my accounts, the materials i buy for a job will match up with my receipts and invoive, so if i add 20% to the materials total cost to cover over expenses, the receipts wont add up from the merchants? or wont this matter as what materials i buy, i dont need to prove what job i used them on? or should i just add the 20% onto the total labour charges? see what i mean or is it just jiberish and im over thinking...

 

[markfxy]

Add 30% to the whole lot less 10% for prompt payment.

 

[SilentMike]

you put mark up on your materials. if your charging an hourly rate no need to add onto labour to cover you for stuff that might take longer then thought
it will add up cos you should keep a copy of your invoice

 

[McNulty]

cool thanks.

at the moment im keeping a copy of the materials receipt with the invoice on a job ive done, so if i wanted to add 20% mark up, it would not match my materials. but then every month i get sent a copy of my the materials i have bought from the merchant as im on account there, so that receipt is my record for accounts. So as long as i have that receipt from the merchant at the end of the month, theres no need to keep the copy of materials ive used with the invoice for a certain job is there? as this is confusing me....sorry seem thick but my heads in a pickle

 

[SilentMike]

keep receipts for everything. mark up is profit it counts towards your turn over
you will have your invoices to show your turn over then your receipts for everything that is deductable

 

[dontknowitall]

As little information as possible.

If they ask for more a simple breakdown of materials and labour.

If they want more (never happened with me) then a charge for the time to prepare a detailed invoice.



Invoice usually says:

To changing stop tap
To changing bathroom
To installing kitchen sink

Then a total.

99% of people are happy with this. The 1% are happy with a £50 labour and £75,000 parts.