Invoicing In Sage 50 Accounts

For most companies, invoicing in Sage 50 is a crucial part of the business. If you don't invoice correctly, your business will not last ...

We all know the phrase "Cashflow is king", and a badly produced invoice can delay payments and really affect a customers view of your company. Sage 50 has a choice of different invoicing options depending on the nature of your business.

Plus it has several add on tools which can import invoices into Sage 50 if you wish to raise your invoices in an industry-specific piece of software, or even hold the details for your invoices in excel spreadsheets.

"Batch invoicing is also available!"

This is a quick way to post an invoice transaction against a customer or supplier. This doesn't affect stock, and you can't email or print the invoice. This method is typically used if you create your invoices outside of Sage and you have not yet looked into importing your invoices directly.

If you use the Sage 50 Product and Services module and want to send your customers invoices, you can use a product invoice. With this method, you can select products or services in the Product and services module, and your stock levels are updated.

This method is often used when you don't need to track stock in Sage, but you have a selection of standard items or services you need to invoice which always say the same thing, to prevent you typing a complicated description on each invoice. It can be another time-saving technique if used cleverly.

If you don't use the Products and Services module, but still want to send your customer an invoice, you can use a service invoice. With this method, you can enter free-text as the service details. With each invoice here you need to type the text in the invoice individually.

Often, if invoices are sent to lots of people with the same text, a product invoice with a service item line might be the better option. Conversely, if your invoices are long and complicated with lots of detailed job-specific text, then a service sales invoice will be your best bet.

"Both Product and Service invoices can be printed or emailed to customers, and you can personalise them with your logo or brand!"

Historically, companies printed these on bought stationery, but we can edit designs now which mean you no longer need to use headed paper or invoice stationery. The invoices can look great printed on plain paper if you edit the layouts. Always make sure your methods of payment and bank details are clearly stated on your invoice.

Remember sending an invoice is a request for payment so always ensure you make it as easy as possible for your customers to pay you promptly, and to contact you if they have a problem with the invoice. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to pay a supplier and having to call them to find out how to pay them.

If anything I've written here resonates with you, call me on 01604 420057 and let's see how we can help you.