Agree the work
Use a quote when the customer should approve the work and price before you invoice them.
A simple invoice guide
What is an invoice, and how does it work?
An invoice is a document that tells a customer what they bought, how much they owe, how to pay and when payment is due.
The basic journey
From agreed work to recorded payment.
You may not need every step, but this is the usual flow for a small service business.
Send the invoice
List what you supplied, the price, important dates and clear payment instructions.
Record what arrives
Add a deposit, part-payment or final payment so the amount still left is always clear.
Follow up if needed
If the due date passes and money is still owed, the invoice is overdue. Send a reminder when appropriate.
Tallyo tools in plain English
Use only what your work needs.
Quotes
Share the proposed work and price before the customer agrees. When they accept, Tallyo keeps the quote and creates one linked invoice.
Invoices
Ask for payment with a clear record of the customer, items, amount, dates and how to pay.
Recurring invoices
Tell Tallyo when to create the next invoice for regular work. Choose whether each one is emailed automatically or left for review.
Overdue reminders
Choose which late invoices receive reminders. Passing the due date alone does not make Tallyo send one.
Deposits and part-payments
Record money as it arrives. Tallyo updates the paid amount and shows what the customer still owes.
Activity history
See when the document was created or sent, when reminders went out and when payments were recorded.
Before you send
Include the details your customer needs.
A clear invoice normally includes a unique invoice number, your business and customer details, the issue and due dates, a description of the work, the amounts and tax where relevant, and instructions for paying.
Requirements can vary, especially for VAT-registered businesses. Check the current GOV.UK invoice requirements before relying on a template.
Tallyo provides invoicing tools, not legal, tax or accounting advice.
Ready when you are
Ready to create a clear invoice?
Make one free in your browser, or explore how Tallyo keeps invoices, payments and reminders together.