invoicing Q

[horsefeathers]

An earlier unrelated post got me thinking. When you do a small job for a customer, say replace a euro cylinder, do you list one price on the bill, for example 'replace 1x euro cylinder - £35', or do you itemise everything so that it reads 'labour £25 - parts £10'? Obviously on a large job i expect two figures to be written, one for labour, one for parts, but it is the small jobs I am thinking of.

This Q is probably best aimed at independent one man band lockies rather than larger VAT registered people.

regards

[UWSDWF]

in the work that I have done in various fields I've always found the customer feels a little more comfortable with itemised billing... it lets them know what exactly they are paying for and are less likely to feel that you are trying to pad any of the costs

[NickBristol]

Personally for a small replacement like this I'd put " 1x [Brand & Size] Euro, supplied & fitted, £35"

I don't think that customers are too bothered about small jobs and wouldn't read or expect a full breakdown. It's certainly my experience that there is a level around £100 where they are more concerned over the labour costs but not inordinately so. A receipt with a letterhead and a phone number gives most customers enough faith you aren't ripping them off.

If you charge hourly rates it is different - for business and large jobs I do a full breakdown.

Actually this reminds me of a receipt I once got from a plumber: Washer 10p, labour £75. Total: £75.10 plus VAT. Left me feeling more than a little conned!

[horsefeathers]

What?????? A plumber charging only £75 an hour???? Gimme his number, this bloke is worth knowing!

[horsefeathers]

But seriously, that is probably a good example of where he should have padded out the wording on the invoice..."called to fix/repair leaking tap in bathroom. Serviced and tested ok....etc etc" then presented a bill simply marked £75 plus vat.

Which is what I do with euro/rim cyl changes etc. Mortice locks I tend to itemise.

regards

[Shrub]

I list everything down to the small bits which i do add on to another price,

Ie,

Callout to suply and fit a lock, callout will be listed in its own separate box along with the labour as its all one charge with me the locks and services are then added on the materials part and locks are always listed along with rekeying etc but the odd spring etc isnt even costed in,

Cash jobs still get an invoice and it still goes through the books even if they say here stick it in you pocket, i also add any tips etc i get on top to the invoice so it all goes in the bank,

Pointless having even the smallest thing you cant account for when you need to, ive even taken to itemiseing every income and outcome on a daily basis, i can do my tax return in 30 mins tops with my system