Guides

How to make your first invoice (step by step)

Updated October 15, 2026

If you've done the work and now have to ask for the money, an invoice is simply a bill. It tells your customer what they owe, why, and by when. You don't need special software to understand it.

Step 1: Write down what you did

List each service on its own line with a price. "Deep clean, 3-bedroom apartment: $240" is better than "cleaning." Clear lines mean fewer questions and faster payment.

Step 2: Add your details and theirs

Your business name and contact, and your customer's name and email. Give the invoice a number (001, 002, 003) so you can both find it later. Invoicing software numbers them for you.

Step 3: Put a due date on it

Write an actual date, like "Due October 31." That is clearer than "Net 30." If you're not sure, 14 days is a common starting point for small jobs.

Step 4: Make it easy to pay

The fewer steps a customer has to take, the faster you get paid. A "Pay" button that takes a card or bank payment beats "mail me a check."

Step 5: Send it the same day

Send the invoice while the job is fresh. Waiting a week usually means being paid a week later.

Step 6: Say what happens if it's late

One sentence is enough, for example: "A $25 late fee applies if unpaid 7 days after the due date." Agree on this before the work starts, not after. (More in our guide: How to charge a late fee on an invoice.)

How Dunn helps

Never sent an invoice before? Dunn walks you through it: pick your client, add what you did, choose a due date, and send. Dunn emails it in your name with a pay button (card or bank), reminds your customer before the due date, and adds the late fee you agreed on, all through your own Stripe account. New to Stripe? You can set it up in a few minutes while you sign up.

Quick answers

Do I need special software to send an invoice?
No, but a tool that sends it with a pay button and reminds the customer saves you from chasing.

When should I send it?
The day the work is finished, or at the milestone you agreed on.

What if I've never taken card payments?
You can set up a free Stripe account while you sign up for Dunn. It takes a few minutes, and the money goes straight to your bank.

What if the customer doesn't pay on time?
Send a friendly reminder first. Our reminder email templates give you the exact words.