A video editing invoice (like a videography invoice template) is a document that spells out what you’ve done for your clients during a specified period, the amount you’re owed, and when it’s due. In a nutshell, it creates a log of outstanding debts.
An invoice contains the following:
- Client details, such as their name, address, contact information, etc.
- An itemized list of the services you performed for the client
- Pricing, total cost, and payment terms
- Deadlines and penalties
By using a template, you save time and the process is more manageable than invoicing manually. It also organizes your clients’ contact information so you know who to contact when a payment is late.
Types of Video Editing Invoices
There are several types of video editing invoices, from a simple bill to detailed, time-based invoices. Here is information about a few of them:
Prepayment Invoice
When you ask clients for a deposit, you bill using a prepayment invoice. It usually requests a portion of the budget that both parties agreed to.
For instance, if a project is projected to cost $4,300, you could ask for 50% up front by using a prepayment invoice.
Recurring Invoice
If you have an ongoing project with scheduled similar payments due (e.g., weekly, biweekly, or monthly) from clients, you need to use a recurring invoice. These invoices are usually automated and applicable to done-for-you services.
Time-Based Invoice
If you work by the hour, you’ll bill your clients using a time-based invoice. This will list the total number of hours you spent on the project and charges a flat rate for each hour.
For instance, if you spent sixty hours editing a video at $80 per hour, you’ll bill your client $4,800.
Debit Invoice
A debit invoice is a notification that alerts your clients that they owe you a certain sum of money. These invoices are usually automated through apps or by asking your bank to set them up.
Credit Invoice
A credit invoice is a notification that lets your clients know that you owe them money, such as a refund.
How to Create a Video Editing Invoice
Creating an invoice manually can be a pain, especially if you’re doing it from scratch. The good news is there are ways to make the process easier.
Use an Invoicing Template or Software
If you hate the idea of sitting at your desk and fiddling around with Word or Excel to create an invoice, the videography and film invoice templates from Invoice Ninja are going to be a great help. These templates are customizable, free, and come in several design options!
Include Your Client’s Identifying Information
Once you’ve chosen your invoice template, you should enter your client’s identifying information. This includes your client’s business name, billing address, phone number, email, and other contact details.
You should input these details under your invoice’s “To” column.
List the Services Provided
Create an itemized list of the services you provided to your client after you’ve entered their information. Your list should include the following details:
- Time and date you performed the work
- Brief description of the services provided
- Hours worked
- Hourly rate or flat fee
You’ll enter these details in the “Item,” “Description,” “Unit Cost,” and “Quantity” sections. Of course, this only applies if you’re filling in a premade template. If you’re using automatic invoicing software, this process can be automated and sped up.
Calculate the Cost and Set Payment Deadlines
After you noted all of the services you provided to the client, you should add everything together to get the total bill, include additional fees or taxes, and set the due date for payment. Again, this process can be automated with an automatic invoicing platform like Invoice Ninja to avoid errors in calculation.
You should also set acceptable payment methods (e.g., Mastercard, Visa, Venmo, Wise, etc.), late penalties, and fee-related terms.
The Takeaway
If you’re a video editor, numbers are probably the last thing you want to look at. However, if you want to get paid, you have to pay attention to them.
The good news is that at Invoice Ninja, we make your billing journey easier with our free video editing invoices. Just sign up using your Apple, Microsoft, or Google account and get access to our invoice library today!
