Free Templates
Two pieces of paper do most of the work of running a service business: the one that says what you'll do, and the one that says what you're owed.
Start here
Estimate first, invoice second
The estimate sets the price and the scope so nobody argues later. The invoice collects the money. Everything on the invoice should already have appeared on the estimate.
The templates
Free invoice templateWhat a real service invoice contains, the six things people leave off that cause late payment, how long to give people to pay, and exactly what to send when someone doesn't.
Free estimate templateThe difference between an estimate and a quote, how to write the scope line, handling "while you're here" add-ons, and why every estimate needs an expiry date.
How to use them together
- Send the estimate the same day you see the job, with a "not included" line and an expiry date.
- Put your payment terms on the estimate, not just the invoice. A late fee only works if they saw it first.
- Price any extra work out loud before you start it, and confirm the new number by text.
- Invoice the same day you finish, with labor and materials on separate lines.
- Use one running invoice number series and keep every copy in one folder.
Before you fill anything in
A template can't fix a price that's too low. If you're still guessing at your numbers, work those out first: house cleaning, lawn care, handyman, and pressure washing.
And if you're still deciding how to set the business up, read whether you actually need an LLC before you spend money on one.