Creating invoices doesn’t need to be tedious and time-consuming! A streamlined billing process can save you time and improve your professional image — that’s where online invoice generators and invoice templates come in!
Dive into our comprehensive guide on using Bonsai’s invoice generator, because it provides an easy solution to save you time, reduce errors, and look like a pro with every invoice you send! We cover:
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Want to generate detailed, professionally-designed invoices for your business? The Online Invoice Generator by Bonsai makes it easy to create invoices, work orders, and bills in seconds.
Follow these steps to create an invoice:
Use the fillable Invoice Generator tool to input your business name, contact information, logo, and business branding. Custom branding options allow you to create invoices specifically for your business.
Enter your client’s name, company, and contact information. You can produce multiple invoices for all of your customers.
Provide the invoice number, date of issue, and due date for the invoice. Edit the fields according to your business requirements.
Include line items for all the goods or services you are billing for. This can also include any materials used during the project. Include the description, quantity, and pricing for each line item.
The Invoice Generator calculates totals and taxes automatically, but be sure to double check for accuracy. Add any additional taxes, shipping charges, or discounts, if applicable.
The Invoice Generator generates invoices automatically, but you can always customize the final invoice according to your business needs. Choose from a vast template variety, data import/export features, and several supported formats to streamline your business invoicing. nclude any additional information or terms, such as payment instructions, late fee policies, or a personalized message to the client.
Finalize your invoice and decide how to send it to your client. You can download the invoice as a PDF, print it, email it directly to your client, share it via a link, export it to Google Docs, or save it for your records. The Online Invoice Generator formats invoices for print and digital use to accommodate your clients’ preferences.
With the Online Invoice Generator, you can create and customize detailed invoices without having to design your own documents from scratch. The automated tool designs professional-looking invoices on demand—all you need to do is plug in the details!
Here a few ways to customize your invoices:
People and businesses love the Online Invoice Generator because it’s simple, fast, and easy to use. Produce professional invoices and send to clients online to get paid the right way.
With the online invoice maker, you can send invoices a variety of ways:
Filling out an invoice is quick and simple. Save time with the online invoice creator by generating invoices on your computer, tablet, or smartphone device.
There are only a few steps to filling out an invoice:
Consultants, freelancers, contractors, and business owners all use invoices to collect payments from clients. But in order to get paid on time (and correctly), your invoice needs to include some essential information. Don’t forget these elements when creating invoices:
A typical invoice is usually a single-page document that outlines the services/goods delivered, the costs for each, and terms required to issue payment. The exact layout can vary depending on the invoice template format or invoicing software, but typically follows this structure:
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Creating business invoices from scratch can be confusing and time-consuming. Online Invoice Generators help you save time, providing editable fields that allow you to create invoices in just a few clicks. The Online Invoice Generator works for any industry, commerce business, consultant, or contractor.
Create commercial invoices that suit your branding in a matter of seconds. The Online Invoice Generator makes sending invoices simple and fast.
The Online Invoice Generator creates customizable templates that are professionally designed with real businesses in mine. Make a positive impression with a professional invoice.
Increase sales and streamline transactions without creating invoices from scratch. The Online Invoice Generator saves you time (and money) compared to creating your own templates yourself.
Create invoices with a click of a button. Whether you need a PDF invoice, a printable invoice, an email invoice, or an online invoice, you can create quick invoices in seconds, not hours.
The Online Invoice Generator provides a cost-effective solution to your invoicing struggles. Balance your books and increase revenue, without paying hefty fees for expensive invoicing tools.
Free online invoice generators are convenient and quick, but may not offer the functionality you need to scale your business. Online invoicing systems provide another level of features that help streamline your invoicing. Use a tool that automates the billing process from start to finish.
No need to hire dedicated staff to design and send professional invoices. With an online invoicing system, you can generate invoices quickly, for less than the cost of designing invoices in house.
Online invoicing systems save you time when it comes to your business billing. For example, Bonsai saves invoice drafts for later and even duplicates previous invoices for recurring clients, meaning you don’t have to create unique invoices from scratch.
Online invoicing software organizes invoices by date, client, or status, making it easy to find previous payments or follow-up on unpaid invoices. This helps ensure that you get paid on time and don’t miss out on any client payments.
Online software allows you to preview invoices before sending and download invoice copies for record-keeping. This adds another layer of accessibility, making it easy to organize and access your business financials at any time.
Get notified when an invoice is viewed or paid, and set automated reminders to clients. Online invoicing tools help ensure you never miss a payment.
Invoicing software allows you to see when clients have opened an invoice and can track unpaid invoices so you don’t have to follow up manually. No need to send a text or email to remind a client to pay you—you can send a reminder via your professional invoicing platform.
Don’t rely on your own math skills to calculate totals and taxes. Even the best accountant can make errors from time to time. Cloud-based invoicing tools use formulas to accurately calculate subtotals, total costs, taxes, and more.
Whether your business operates in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Thailand, China, or beyond, you need a payment platform that can accommodate any country, language, or currency. Bonsai manages multiple currencies and tax rates, helping you run your business anywhere in the world.
Online invoicing tools offer a level of customization not available with sample invoice templates. Customize your fields, add your business logo, change the design, update colors, and more with your very own invoicing portal.
Bonsai ynchronizes with online payment gateways, offering a more secure way to collect payment. Fully encrypted and secure, professional invoicing tools ensure you get paid correctly without being subjected to bugs or hackers.
Review your business financials anywhere, at any time. Scroll through invoice numbers to see payment status, get an overview of your business revenue, check collection status, and more with detailed financial reports and a user-friendly dashboard.
You don’t need to be a professional bookkeeper to create detailed invoices for your business. With online invoice generators, templates, and software, anyone can create professional invoices in seconds.
Invoice generators allow you to save time and money when it comes to your business invoicing. To make the most of online invoice generators, it’s best to establish a process for filling out, customizing, and sending your invoices. We recommend collecting all of the relevant information (client name, contact information, services, prices, etc.) in advance, filling out the invoice generator, and sending the completed invoice in the format that works best for client.
Over time, you will establish the right system for your business and bandwidth.
The presentation of your invoices might seem like a minor detail, but it can make a huge difference in the impression you make on your clients. A professional invoice shows a client that you mean business, that you’re detail-oriented, and that you intend on following up on your invoices (like a boss!).
When it comes to invoice generators, you have a lot of options. At Bonsai, we provide a range of features that essentially allow you to run your entire business from one place. That means you don’t have to pick and choose features from different software tools. When choosing the right invoice generator for your business, consider:
Explor your options and decide on what platform offers what you (and your customers) are looking for.
There are many different types of invoice generators available—from cloud-based software to web apps to online templates. Many businesses choose to use one or several of these options, depending on their preferences (and customers’ preferences).
Web-based invoice generators: These are accessible through your web browser. Examples include websites that offer invoice generation services.
Cloud-based software: These are more sophisticated, offering additional features like invoice tracking, payment integration, and customer management.
Desktop applications: This is software that’s installed on a computer or laptop, functioning without an internet connection. Examples include Microsoft Excel or standalone invoicing software.
Template-based invoice generators: These are pre-designed templates available in word processors like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel.
PDF templates: These include printable PDF invoice templates where users can manually fill in details.
Automated invoice generators: These are services that automatically generate and send invoices based on scheduled intervals. These usually synchronize with online payment gateways.
Looking for a quick and seamless way to create invoices? Bonsai is here to help. Design branded invoices, send payment reminders, track collection status, review business financials, and more—all within a single platform!
Here are some of the (many) benefits of using Bonsai’s invoice generator:
Unless you’re a graphic designer, chances are that designing bespoke invoices is not your forte. But with an invoice generator, you can create professional, custom-branded invoices in seconds—without the use of fancy design tools.
Automated invoice generators allow you to update invoice details in real-time, making your invoicing process faster than ever. You can import client details for invoicing, share invoices through various platforms, and even download invoice copies for record-keeping. This saves a ton of time in your business.
Few small businesses have the bandwidth or budget to design custom invoices from scratch. “Outsource” your invoicing with automation, with the help of cloud-based invoicing software. This helps you save money at every stage of your invoicing and accounting process.
We’re all prone to making mistakes—but doing so with your invoicing can cause real problems in your business. Automated and accurate tools help ensure you don’t miss out on the finer details. Make sure you get paid the right amount (and on time) with the help of Bonsai.
A dusty file folder might not be the best place for your most important financial documents. Go paperless with an online invoicing tool. Bonsai records payment receipts against invoices, archives old invoices for future reference, and retrieves past invoices with ease, removing the need to rely on paper documents. Everything you need is online, right at your fingertips.
While the online invoice generator does allow you to add elements like your business logo and contact information, it does not offer complete customization. In order to customize invoices to suit your business branding, details, payment requirements, and the like, consider using an online invoicing platform like Bonsai.
The Online Invoice Generator only allows for you to create simple invoices. It does not have the ability to schedule recurring invoices, track payments, or send reminders. Bonsai is an all-in-one accounting and invoicing solution that allows you to streamline your invoicing, including setting recurring invoices, reminders, and follow-ups.
The Online Invoice Generator is a free tool for creating simple invoices, but it does not have the functionality to send payment reminders. To remind clients about overdue invoices and outstanding balances, it is best to use an online invoicing system. Set reminders, keep up with your business bookkeeping, improve collaboration with Bonsai.
An electronic signature (or —as the cool kids are calling it— e-signature) is a way legal way to give or attain consent on electronic documents. Essentially, it performs the same function as an inked signature and an electronically signed document bears the same weight as a regular pen-and-paper one. They are often used as part of a contract template.
Moreover, it can replace a handwritten signature in virtually any circumstance, as long as they are legally binding in the country it's signed.
There are different ways to sign electronic documents, including with a mouse-click or by drawing a signature on a document using a mouse. Using a mouse to try and replicate a signature isn't an easy task (especially for those of us who aren't artistically gifted), but —thankfully— touch screens have made this much easier over the years.
An electronic signature is defined by The ESIGN Act, as “an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.” Simply put, electronic signatures are in fact legally binding and recognized as a viable technology and an overall approach.
From e-commerce to the automation of complex business processes, to succeed in today's competitive world - business leaders must embrace and leverage all things digital. One of those things is electronic signatures and whether or not they are a legal signature. Business professionals across industries are putting away their pens and leveraging the numerous advantages of electronic signatures. Perhaps it's about time you did too.
Another question often asked is around verbal agreements. Are verbal contracts legally binding?
The terms "electronic signature" and "digital signature" are often used interchangeably. However, doing so isn't entirely correct. So what's the difference?
Basically, "e-signature" is a broad category that encompasses various types of signatures (we'll look at those later on!). Digital signatures are one of those categories but refer to a specific technological implementation of e-signatures.
Digital signatures are typically authorized by certification authorities, whereas electronic signatures are often associated with a contract where the signer has the intention to sign. Moreover, a digital signature is comprised of unique features, a fingerprint for example, that secure a particular document. The main differences are in purpose, geographical use, legal and cultural acceptance, and technical implementation.
Large enterprises, small-medium businesses (SMBs), and freelancers can use e-sign software to streamline their business operations. An electronic signature can be used to formally sign a contract, document, or another type of electronic form.
Many businesses and freelancers have adopted services for electronic signing into their tech stack. Some of the situations e-signatures are frequently used include:
- Sales and marketing: An electronic signature allows businesses to close deals faster while saving valuable time spent on admin tasks.
- Hiring and onboarding: Without the paper trail slowing things down, candidates and employees can fill out and sign and electronic forms and job contracts in seconds.
- Legal circumstances: Legal processes can move along swiftly with e-signature software. Share NDAs and liability forms which recipients can fill out and sign in minutes.
Freelancers, in particular, can benefit from the security and peace of mind that e-signed documents can provide. When the freelancer and the client have placed an electronic signature on a document it becomes legally binding. This means that if the client doesn't uphold their end of the deal, there can be legal consequences. Hell hath no fury like an unpaid freelancer.
You're wondering how a tap of a button can have the same validity as handwritten consent, right? Lucky for you, this is exactly the question we'll answer in the next section.
ESIGN Act legislation ensures that electronic signatures are legally binding in every state where federal law applies. Outside of the US, they're legally binding in 30 European countries and most other countries around the world.
Most American states where federal law does not apply have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which establishes a legal framework for the use of the electronic signature, and states like Illinois and New York have installed their own laws to attest to their validity.
In New York State, for instance, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA act) guarantees electronic signature validity state-wide. This means that all businesses are bound by this regulation and must accept e-signatures.
There are some key factors that affect the legal effect of an electronic signature. Let's take a closer look at what requirements need to be accounted for to ensure an electronic signature is legally binding.
The identity of the person signing the document must be verifiable. There are numerous ways to verify the identity of the signer using digital technology, including via SMS, email, or electronic ID. Obviously, the stricter the identity control, the better the security.
The next requirement is that the parameters of the transaction as hand must be communicated clearly, and the signer must have unequivocally intended to sign the document electronically. In other words, they must know exactly what they're signing.
The content of the contract is particularly important at this stage, as what is legally binding is exactly what was stated in the signed version. If a contract is altered before it is signed, the new wording is now a new contract offer. What's more, if there is more than one person involved in signing the document it's only signed and lawfully binding once all parties have signed.
You'll need evidence that the electronic signature was intentionally submitted, along with proof of consent from all parties to do business electronically.
If you're using an online electronic form or contract builder, you can secure this information with built-in electronic records. A consent clause that requires the signatory to "click to accept" before they officially e-sign a document.
This one relates to what you do once the document has been electronically signed. In the same way that invoices, tax returns, and other important documents must be kept intact - so too must any electronically signed document. A record of the document must be kept by both parties, and it mustn't be tampered with. Any slight change in the document can affect its integrity and result in it losing its legally binding status if upheld in a court of law.
The best way to verify an e-signature is to ensure you have adopted the use of software like the Qualified Signature Creation Device. This allows the document to be encrypted and safe for use even after signing.
Another way to make sure an e-signature is verified is by checking that they pass federal law and regulation such as the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act)
As it's easy to forget things online, auto-reminders are vital for e-signatures. If you're a freelancer, Bonsai software can help you stay on top of things with client auto-reminders. So, if they're not acting as quickly as they should, we'll give them a nudge in the right direction and flick you a notification when they've completed the document.
Are e-signatures the right alternative for your business? Let's examine some of the benefits that signing documents electronically can have for your business or organization.
Time is money in today's fast-paced world.
Electronically signed documents can save time lost during the process of coordinating signatures and prevent contract delays. With electronic signatures, it takes an average of 37 minutes to obtain signed documents, as opposed to traditional methods which take on average 5 days. Imagine all the things you could do with that extra 4 days, 23 hours, and 23 minutes!
Negotiations, approving updates, making amendments - all of this takes up valuable time. Moreover, sending a paper contract via postal mail or fax can take days, even weeks, depending on where they're being sent. This, combined with the back and forth interactions prior to the contract finalization can add a substantial amount of time to the approval timeline.
Using e-signature software to create and sign a contract results in an 80% reduction in turnaround time as information is available to all parties immediately. Check out our article on how to sign a contract online to learn more.
Organizations that have successfully migrated to electronic signatures have reported between 55%–78.62% in total cost savings. Creating and signing an electronic document saves money on paper, shipping, packaging materials, and administration costs.
Although these costs might not seem significant at first considering how quickly business transactions add up - shifting towards electronic signatures can yield serious cost savings.
With electronic signatures, important documents and contracts can be signed regardless of geographic location. As long as both parties have an internet connection, they can access, review, and sign contracts on the go.
With freelance and remote work on the rise in today's globalized business world, location flexibility is more important than ever. Bonsai's freelance contract software enables freelancers to create professional contracts with a selection of contract templates, sign with an e-signature, and send them to clients.
In addition to the administration hours, turnover time, and material costs saved when documents are signed electronically, using e-signature software can boost the efficiency and productivity of both parties involved.
A study found that adopting the use of electronic signatures led to an 85% improvement in productivity. By taking away the time spent on copying, faxing, organizing, and transporting documents, employees will have more time to spend on more valuable tasks that require their expertise.
Streamlining contact management can contribute to higher workplace efficiency, reduce time spent on back-end tasks, and improve employee morale - all leading to a more productive workplace. Learn more about how to insert signature in Word and how to digitally sign a PDF.
Take paper documents, administrative tasks, and the sending back and forth of documents out of` the equation and e-signatures offer a much lower risk of human error. In fact, among financial institutions, signing documents with an electronic signature reduces the likelihood of scanning errors by 92% and prevents files from disappearing by 66%. An e-signed document or contract is saved in file format, so they can't mysteriously disappear in the office or get accidentally mistaken for trash.
Alongside the risk of human error is the added security an electronic signature provides when executed with contract management software. With robust user verification, contract management software enables businesses and freelancers to ensure documents are only shared with those they need to be shared with.