What's the quickest way to create a professional invoice?

Use a free invoice generator like Duevero's — enter your details once, add line items, and your invoice is ready with a shareable link in under two minutes. No formatting, no PDF hassle, no template hunting.

Do I need accounting software to create an invoice?

No. A free invoice generator, a spreadsheet, or even a plain document works. What matters is that the invoice contains all the required fields — your info, client info, invoice number, date, due date, services listed, totals, and payment instructions.

How do I number my invoices?

Use a consistent sequence starting at INV-001 and incrementing with each new invoice. The important thing is that each invoice number is unique and you never reuse one.

What payment terms should I put on an invoice?

Net 14 (14 days from invoice date) is a reasonable standard for freelance work. Net 30 is common for larger clients. Use a specific calendar date rather than 'net 30' — shorter terms consistently result in faster payment.

What is the difference between an invoice and an estimate?

An estimate is sent before work begins — it sets out what you plan to do and what it will cost. An invoice is sent after work is completed and requests actual payment. An estimate is not a payment request; an invoice is.

What happens if a client doesn't pay?

Send a polite reminder 1–2 days after the due date. If unpaid after 7 days, send a firmer follow-up. After 14–21 days, contact the client directly. Duevero Pro sends automatic overdue reminders on your behalf.

How to create an invoice

Eight steps to create a professional invoice — from opening a blank form to sending and following up. Covers every required field, how to number invoices, set payment terms, and what to do if the invoice goes unpaid.

Step 1: Open an invoice generator or template

Use a free invoice generator like Duevero's tool, a template, or a blank document. A generator has all the required fields pre-built — you just fill them in, and a shareable invoice link is created automatically.

Step 2: Add your business information

Include your full name or business name, email, phone, and any registration number if required in your region. Make it clear who the invoice is from.

Step 3: Add your client's information

Include the client's name or company, billing contact, and any purchase order (PO) number required for processing. Missing PO numbers are a common reason invoices get delayed at corporate clients.

Step 4: Assign an invoice number

Give every invoice a unique sequential number starting at INV-001 or similar. Never reuse a number — if you void an invoice, skip that number rather than reassigning it.

Step 5: Set the date and due date

Invoice date is today. Due date is when you expect payment — Net 14 or Net 30 are standard. Use a specific calendar date ('Due 15 May 2025') rather than 'net 30' for clearer expectations.

Step 6: List services or goods

One line item per deliverable. Be specific: 'Logo design — initial concepts + final files' rather than 'Design work'. For hourly work: '6 hours × $90/hr'. Specific descriptions reduce disputes.

Step 7: Calculate and confirm the total

Show subtotal, taxes (if applicable), and total amount due. If a deposit was collected, show it as a credit so the client sees the remaining balance. Double-check the arithmetic.

Step 8: Add payment instructions and send

Tell the client exactly how to pay — bank transfer, card link, or other method. Send by email with a clear subject line. Follow up promptly if unpaid.

How Duevero helps

Duevero is a free invoicing tool for freelancers and small service businesses. Create an invoice, share a payment link clients open in any browser, track what is paid and what is overdue, and log expenses by category to see your profit. Duevero Pro sends overdue reminders automatically.