I'm new to freelancing and am trying to understand the business side of things. If I offer to create a WordPress site for a small business, say for $200 or $500, do I have to give them an invoice or receipt once they pay? I'm wondering if it works similarly to selling something on Facebook Marketplace, where you just hand over the money and that's it. It might seem like a basic question, but I'm genuinely puzzled. Do I need to provide an invoice for every small job, or does it depend on the client? Should I ask if they want one, or just stay quiet if they don't mention it? To clarify, I get the tax declaration aspect—my country has a tax-free threshold and no tax IDs for individuals, so that's not what I'm asking. I also plan to work with clients outside my country. For example, do clients in the US or Europe typically expect invoices, or does that vary? I'd really appreciate any insights on what's usual when working with small businesses, especially for minor freelance gigs.
5 Answers
If you're looking to collaborate on projects, let me know! I might have some openings in the future, though I'm just starting out myself, so can't promise anything right now.
As you grow your business, it’s important to stay organized. I recommend formalizing your operations, like setting up an LLC or getting a dedicated business bank account. Once you start making serious money, having everything squared away will make things smoother. And seriously, watch the 'Fuck You, Pay Me' video—it’s enlightening for anyone in a service-based business!
Thanks, I’ll check out that video!
Always provide an invoice, no matter how small the project. It helps you keep records and protects you against any payment disputes. Additionally, having a contract for each project will clarify expectations about deliverables, pricing, and payment terms. Even a simple contract can save you a lot of issues later on.
Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely look into contracts.
Yes, it's generally expected that you provide an invoice for any work you do. Clients will need it for their accounting purposes. For businesses, invoices often go through their billing departments, and individuals might need one to track their spending for tax purposes. Even in simple situations, like repairs, people usually prefer an invoice and a receipt for their records.
So does that mean after they pay, I need to send another document? Just want to make sure I'm clear on the process.
Invoices are pretty standard practice, and it's crucial to think about your tax responsibilities, especially if you plan to work internationally. While I'm not an expert on US taxes, I'm sure they follow some of the same principles as in Europe. Just keep in mind that sometimes the fees (like taxes) can eat into your earnings if you're not careful, especially on a low budget like $200.
Totally agree! Just using that as a ballpark figure.
That sounds great! Let's keep in touch as I build my portfolio.