Invoicing for Plumbers: Best Practice

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. It is based on the tax and financial regulations in the United Kingdom and may not apply to other countries or regions.

As a plumber, you know how to handle any plumbing issue, from leaky pipes to blocked drains.

But do you know how to create invoices that reflect your professionalism and expertise?

Invoices are more than just requests for payment. They are also documents that communicate your brand, your value, and your terms to your clients.

Here, we’ll share some tips and best practices on how to create professional and accurate invoices for your plumbing business.

Why Invoicing Matters for Your Plumbing Business

Invoicing is an essential part of running a successful plumbing business.

It helps you track your income and expenses, which is crucial for managing your cash flow and profitability.

Invoicing also helps you comply with tax and legal requirements, such as VAT. You need to keep accurate and complete records of your transactions and report them to the relevant authorities.

A clear and detailed invoice shows your clients:

• What they are paying for
• How much they owe you, and
• When they need to pay you

It also gives you an opportunity to showcase your brand and thank your clients for their business, helping to build trust and loyalty.

Not only does effective invoicing help you get paid on time, but it ensures you avoid disputes and bad debts.

If you can encourage your clients to pay you promptly, it keeps your cash flow at an optimum level.

Getting this process right reduces the chances of misunderstandings, errors, or conflicts that could delay or prevent your payment.

But what should your plumbing invoice include?

How to Write a Plumbing Invoice

A plumbing invoice must list the services and products you provided to your client, along with the prices and payment terms.

Each invoice should include the following:

• Your business name, contact details, and logo
• Your client's name and address
• A unique invoice number and date
• A description of the services and products you provided, such as installation, repair, maintenance, or supply of plumbing fixtures and fittings
• The quantity, unit price, and total amount for each item
• The subtotal, any discounts, taxes, and fees, and the grand total
• The payment terms and methods, such as due date, late fees, bank account, or online payment link
• Any notes, comments, or testimonials that you want to add

How Fergus Can Help You with Invoicing for Your Plumbing Business

Fergus is a job management software that helps you run your plumbing business more efficiently and profitably.

Fergus offers various features for trades businesses, including invoicing, quoting, scheduling, tracking, reporting, and more.

Here are some of the ways you can use Fergus to simplify your plumbing invoices:

• Create and send professional and accurate invoices in minutes. Choose from different invoice types, such as standard, recurring, time-based, or prepayment invoices. Customise your invoices with your logo, colours, and terms.
• Fergus automates your invoicing process, saving you time and hassle. Set up recurring invoices for regular clients, send invoices as soon as you finish a job, and follow up with reminders and statements. You can also sync your invoices with your accounting software, such as Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks.
• Fergus accepts online payments, helping you get paid faster and easier. You can offer your clients multiple payment options, such as credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. You can also add a payment link to your invoices, so your clients can pay you with a few simple clicks.
• Fergus tracks your invoices and helps you manage your cash flow and profitability. You can see the status of your invoices, such as paid, unpaid, overdue, or disputed. You can also monitor your income and expenses, and generate reports and insights for your business.

Start Your 14-Day Free Trial 

Invoicing is a vital part of running a successful plumbing business.

By using Fergus, you can create professional and accurate invoices that get you paid faster and easier.

Want to try it for yourself?

Start your 14-day free trial and start cutting down your admin time.