Guide

How to Make an Invoice

An invoice is a document you send to a client requesting payment for goods or services. Here's everything it needs to include, and a step-by-step walkthrough for creating one — no accounting software or spreadsheet required.

What to Include in an Invoice

• Your business name, email, address, and phone number
• Your client's name, email, and address
• A unique invoice number and the invoice date
• A due date and your payment terms (e.g. "Net 30")
• An itemized list of products or services, with quantity and rate
• Subtotal, any tax, discount, or shipping, and the final total
• Optional notes, such as payment instructions or a thank-you message

Step-by-Step: How to Make an Invoice

1. 1

   Add your business and client details

   Enter your company name, email, and address, along with your client's name, email, and address. This identifies who is billing whom.

2. 2

   Assign an invoice number and dates

   Give the invoice a unique number (e.g. INV-001), the invoice date, and a due date so your client knows exactly when payment is expected.

3. 3

   List your line items

   Add each product or service on its own line with a description, quantity, and rate. The amount for each line is calculated automatically.

4. 4

   Add tax, discount, or shipping if needed

   Apply a tax rate, a discount, or shipping charges to the subtotal — BillOak calculates the final total for you in real time.

5. 5

   Set your payment terms

   Note how and when you expect to be paid (e.g. "Net 30", bank transfer, or a specific payment link) in the payment terms field.

6. 6

   Download and send the PDF

   Preview the invoice, download it as a print-ready PDF with one click, and send it to your client by email.

Invoice vs. Quote vs. Purchase Order

An invoice requests payment for work already delivered. A quote is sent before the work starts to propose a price. A purchase order is issued by the buyer to formally authorize an order. BillOak can generate all three, plus credit notes, from the same editor.

Related: Invoice Templates · FAQ