The gap between finishing a job and getting paid for it comes down to how fast and how clearly you invoice. This generator turns an approved quote into a clean, itemized invoice with deposit credits, balance due, and payment terms built in, so there's never a question about what's owed or when.
| Description | Qty | Unit | Unit Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor – installation | 1 | LS | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Materials | 1 | LS | $1,150.00 | $1,150.00 |
Total contract $18,500. 40% deposit due before work starts.
Roofing job $8,200 total. Client paid $3,000 deposit. Final balance billed.
Electrical contract $42,000. Monthly billing at 30% completion.
For residential jobs: send a deposit invoice before starting (typically 25–50% of the contract), a progress invoice at a defined milestone (e.g., rough-in complete), and a final invoice upon completion. For commercial work, monthly progress billing against a schedule of values is standard. Never wait until a job is fully done to request any payment — the longer you wait, the harder it gets.
Net 30 (payment due in 30 days) is most common for commercial clients. Residential contractors often require payment within 7–14 days of completion. Some contractors use "due on receipt" for smaller jobs. Always state your terms clearly — and charge a late fee (1.5–2% per month is typical) to incentivize on-time payment.
A quote is a pre-work document that proposes a price for approval. An invoice is a post-work (or milestone) document that requests payment for work completed or in progress. Quotes are accepted before work starts; invoices are issued during or after. This site has both tools — start with the Quote Generator, end with the Invoice Generator.
Yes, and you should. A deposit invoice secures your materials budget and filters out non-serious clients. Clearly mark it as "Deposit Invoice" and note the remaining balance due upon completion. Most residential contractors require 25–50% upfront for jobs over $1,000.
Start with a polite written reminder at 7 days past due. At 30 days, send a formal demand letter via certified mail. You have the right to file a mechanics lien on the property in most states for unpaid work — lien rights are time-sensitive (typically 60–90 days from last work date) so don't delay. Small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000–$25,000 depending on your state.