Invoicing for an auto repair is simple. You just have to list down the work that you provided a customer, along with the corresponding costs of each service, then send the total to them for payment. But for this transaction to be valid, it requires the presence of certain details and a process that enables smooth payment.
Using an auto invoice template, like one from Invoice Ninja, makes invoicing more manageable, and allows you to give clients complete professional invoices that will keep your business legitimate and guarantee the payment of what’s due to you.
What Is an Auto Repair Invoice?
An auto repair invoice is a financial document that records the services and items that an auto repair provider offers a customer, along with the price of each. The subtotal obtained from this is the amount that a client must pay in exchange for the work done. This bookkeeping essentially ensures that auto repair organizations are paid correctly and on time for their services.
Any auto repair business owner or service provider must create auto repair invoices for their jobs, which include:
- Auto repair
- Oil, brake, tire, or window replacement
- Accident repair
- Fuel system and engine repair
- Air conditioning repair or installation
- Exhaust or transmission repair or testing
- Auto body or auto glass repair
- Bodywork or paintwork repair
For example, an invoice for a mechanic shop could list down the labor done to fix a car engine, as well as the components used for the job. If this totals $800, including all taxes and other fees, then the car owner must pay this amount to the mechanic.
How to Invoice an Auto Repair
Invoicing for an auto repair starts even before the job. Most services will provide customers with an estimate of the work that needs to be done for the repair. From there, the client can either agree with the ballpark figures or propose compromises (e.g. isolating repairs).
Once an agreement has been made, the job begins as planned. And once that’s done, the auto repair business then creates the invoice by listing down the labor and parts involved in the project and how much they’ll charge for each line, referencing this to the original estimate. Of course, there could be discrepancies, especially if there are bumps in the road. Once the invoice is complete, this is sent to the customer for payment.
What to Include in an Auto Repair Invoice
What has to be on an auto repair invoice? For this financial document to be valid, it must have the following:
- Business details (including business IDs)
- Invoice number
- Date of issue
- Customer details
- Item list
- Taxes and other fees
- Total amount payable
- Payment instructions
- Terms and conditions
All of this information is pertinent in ensuring that the business is charging for their services correctly and that the client is paying the right amount. It also ticks off all legal boxes, though it’s best to check with local laws to see if you’re complying with the right invoicing practices.
Tips for Writing an Auto Repair Invoice
Follow these tips for writing an auto repair invoice so that you do it with accuracy and professionalism, and that you get positive feedback and benefits after each job.
Provide Accurate Information
There are a lot of different details involved in an auto repair invoice. Make sure that all the items listed are accurate and clear, making sure that descriptions aren’t overly complicated. If you need to put in a lot of information, choose a template that doesn’t look too busy or complex. Invoice Ninja has a variety of easy-to-understand auto repair invoice templates that you can choose from to do the job!
Know What You’re Invoicing
Auto repair invoicing typically boils down to two categories: labor and parts. The parts section covers the equipment you need to charge for and is billed according to the number of products used. Meanwhile, the labor section deals with the work done during the repair and is usually charged according to time spent. It’s important to distinguish these two sections; that way, your client can identify the aspects of the project clearly.
Make Your Invoice Stand Out
Your auto repair invoice doesn’t have to be boring. Use eye-catching templates from Invoice Ninja to make your document more visually appealing. It will leave a good impression on your customers!
Invoice an Auto Repair With Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja makes it easier for auto repair businesses to craft, send, and manage invoices, allowing you to stick to what you do best while staying assured that the financial aspects of your work are covered. Create professional auto repair invoices customized to your business with Invoice Ninja today!
