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#158176 04/29/06 06:47 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 47
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where does everyone get their invoices? do you create them yourselves or do you use a program for the computer , buy them at staples?

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#158177 04/30/06 12:42 AM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 83
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Member
trevman

I've used QuickBooks, Software, MS Word Templates from the Microsoft Website and I've made my own.

Because I prefer to use the computer for all my estimating and invoicing, I prefer to use those.

However, if you are using a manual price book, you could buy premade forms from Staples or the like or NEBS forms from I believe it is www.NEBS.com (check out workorders, estimates, invoices). They have some good pre printed forms.

Glen

#158178 04/30/06 09:47 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
T
Member
I haven't used T&M for over a year now. I've been contracting residential service, so there isn't any listing of materials on the invoice.

My clients get a copy of the service work order or contract. The invoice usually states "Completion of Contract". It's been easier for me & less stressful for my clients. They know the price in advance & approve the work knowing the final price.

Dave

#158179 05/01/06 08:31 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 47
T
Member
thanks glen

#158180 05/03/06 12:04 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,723
Likes: 1
Broom Pusher and
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My Invoices describe the tasks done - similar to the wording of a Proposal, such as:

"Labor and Materials for X Equipment"

"Total, including Taxes = $XXX,XXX.XX"

"Payment is due within XX, as described in Proposal/Contract Document; failure to comply will result in a call to "Mickey The Hook" hounding your butt"
[Linked Image] just joking about the mafia based collection agent!

For "T&M" work, it is best to just be as brief as possible.
If a breakdown is requested, due so in "Units" (like all costs related to a new Panelboard for example), and be brief with these descriptions.

If a client wants any Contractor to produce a "Laundry List" of detailed items for an invoice, this Client has way too much time on their hands!
These (in my experience) are the ones who will call you endlessly with the "I Can Get These Parts At Home Depot For 10% Less" complaints.

Nearly all the Clients we deal with - and even when I invoice the Contractor I work for when doing Electrical Systems Design Injunearring work (intentionally mis-spelled "Engineer"), the Invoice states 'Labor and Materials to do (whatever work involved)"

This may be in several description lines, especially when some items might be furnished by the client or others, or when provisions for a circuit will be "Supply Power Only", connections by others.

Submitting a highly detailed Invoice to these Clients will get them "Slightly Ticked Off", to say the least!

Scott35


Scott " 35 " Thompson
Just Say NO To Green Eggs And Ham!
#158181 05/03/06 07:10 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Member
I will itemize if I feel the need to.
Example-

I just installed 480' (160'X 3) of 250kcmil for an underground residential service for a builder.
In order to avoid any questions regarding installed cost ($3,500.00), I listed the cost of the wire ($2,900.00) as a separate item.

#158182 05/03/06 07:42 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 507
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Member
redsy,

what was your actual cost and would the customer, if they got a hankering and called the local supply house, get a price similar to what you charged them? or would the supply house tell them $5/foot ($2,400) and suddenly they feel you cheated them out of $500?

just a thought.

#158183 05/03/06 07:58 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
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Member
mahlere:

480' of kcmil doesn't drop on the clients doorstep without related overhead expenses. A small percentage of clients will beat you up over prices. With T&M they have easier opportunity to beat you up, but that type of client might try to beat you up with a contract also.

Sometimes it's good to let your competition have the clients that you can't get along with.

Dave

#158184 05/03/06 08:05 AM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 507
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Member
tiger,

no argument here. but do you want or need the added aggrevation of dealing with it after you have supplied and installed the material?

wouldn't it be better to find out this customer is an SOB before you invest all the time and money?

What if he decides that he's only going to pay you the $2400 that the wire would cost? Are you really going to take him to court over $500? it would cost you more than that to fight for it. You'll probably write it off as bad debt and move on. but you will need to make that $500 up someplace else.

the idea is to avoid that situation.

#158185 05/03/06 10:34 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
T
Member
Which is why I contract rather than work T&M.

Dave

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