When you sell consulting, you're primarily selling clarity: a scope, a result, a timeframe. Your bill must do exactly the same. No need for anything complicated: you just need a invoice template reliable, which helps you get paid quickly, without unnecessary back-and-forth with the client.
In this guide, I'll show you how create invoices of your own advice, according to your way of working: at time past, fixed-price, or milestone-based. We'll also talk about mandatory information, Applicable VAT (or not) invoice number, numbering of invoicesand how to manage the unpaid bills without expending your energy on it.
If you want to get straight to the point: download this invoice templateCustomize it once, then use it for every mission. Djaboo provides a variety of invoice templates In the format Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs and Google Sheets.
Why is this useful for a consultant?
The simplest way: prepare in Word and Excel (depending on your needs), then export to PDF invoice before sending.
With Djaboo, you can create professional electronic invoices in just a few clicks. All the required information is automatically added based on your business 😎
With Djaboo, you can create professional electronic invoices in just a few clicks. All the required information is automatically added based on your business 😎
A consultation invoice template serves two purposes.
And yes, a well-prepared invoice is also a tool for proof if a client is slow to pay: you have a document. as seen here which embodies the Selling at your service.
Let's not pretend: the format changes your daily life.
My practical advice: work in Word/Excel, then export to PDF. You maintain your workflow, and the client receives a clean document.
A consulting invoice must be clear AND straightforward. FranceThe basics are the mandatory information (often grouped under “legal notices”).
Simple checklist:
The VAT rate depends on your status. If you are registered for VAT, you display your amounts excluding VAT + fees + VAT included. If you are a franchisee, please indicate this: VAT not applicable (depending on your situation). Many micro-business consultants use a method similar to a VAT-free invoice template.
The term CGI (General Tax Code) comes up often, but the idea here is simple: stay consistent with your tax regime. If you're unsure, confirm with your accountant and stick with the same template.
A good system of numbering of invoices It saves you 80% of the hassle.
Example of simple logic:
Le will must be unique. And if your client is a large company, you can add an internal reference (purchase order, project code) to speed up validation.
Tip: also keep a field “matters /project” (even just internally) to link each invoice to a file. This simplifies your tracking.
Consulting fees should be flexible. You can utiliser the same model, but adapting the “lines” and “conditions” parts.
This is the classic case: you charge an hourly or daily rate.
The customer understands immediately.
Simple and effective when the scope is well defined.
Very useful for long-term projects:
You can issue a interim invoice, then one final invoiceAnd if you want to secure your cash flow, you can offer a minimal discount in exchange for prompt payment (optional, but sometimes effective).
This breakdown saves you from waiting 3 months to get paid. And for the client, it's easier to approve.
Many consultants have on-site expenses: transportation, hotel, meals, tools, licenses. You can bill them back, but do it properly.
Add a article dedicated :
And above all: remain transparent. A detailed invoice is an invoice that is accepted without dispute.
If you want a repeatable process, this is the most effective one:
You have just made a creating an invoice Clean, fast, and reusable.
Two simple rules:
If you undertake recurring tasks, implement recurring billsThis saves you from having to do the same administrative work every month, and the client gets used to the rhythm.
You can also use the templates to segment:
When you start to gain volume, a billing software becomes useful. Not to be "modern", but to:
Regarding shipping, there are three options:
The expected result: fewer errors, more cash flow, and less stress.
Even with a perfect invoice, there will sometimes be delays. The goal is not to "fight," but to remain simple and consistent.
“Hello, I am writing to remind you about invoice CONS-2026-012. Could you please confirm the date of invoice payment ? "
“Thank you for settle this bill within 48 hours, or to tell me if any information is missing.”
Add a clear deadline and offer an easy payment method. When "paying" is simple, the customer pays faster.
Depending on your activity, you will alternate between several types:
The important thing is to have adapted invoices to your sales method, without recreating everything each time.
Yes. One. free invoice template is perfect to start with, as long as it is complete and you respect the numbering.
Create a separate line for each type of work, including quantity (hours) and price. The client understands immediately.
If you do a lot of calculations: ExcelIf you want a simple layout: WordIn all cases, send as a PDF.
Not necessarily. For long-term projects, bill by milestones. You improve your cash flow and avoid waiting until the end.
Create your template (logo, legal notices, contact details, structure), then keep only the variable fields. That's it. create an invoice template Useful: do it once, save time afterwards.
You've already done the hardest part: delivering value. Now, your invoice needs to be just as good: accurate, easy to read, and simple to pay. With a good template (Excel/Word + PDF export), you'll professionalize your process, secure your cash flow, and spend less time on administrative tasks.
