Invoice

An invoice is a formal request for payment. For most brand deals, it is what actually triggers the money — nothing arrives until one exists.

What has to be on it

• Your details and theirs, including any PO or reference number they gave you.
• A unique invoice number.
• What the work was, itemised.
• The amount, the currency, and any tax that applies where you are.
• The date, and the terms, such as Net 30.
• How to pay you.

The mistakes that cost the most time

• Sending it late. Terms usually run from the invoice date, so waiting a fortnight adds a fortnight.
• Sending it to the wrong person. Your marketing contact often cannot pay you. Ask who in finance should receive it.
• Missing their reference number. An invoice without the PO number a large company expects can sit unpaid indefinitely without anyone telling you.

Chasing

Assume you will need to, and that it is not personal. A polite reminder a few days after the due date, another at two weeks, another at a month. Most late payment resolves at the first one.