Any other Graphic Designin' mamas? Invoicing question...

[kellykins]

I recentl ygot pulled into starting my own graphic design business...I know how to design, and I know what my fee structure is and all, but I am wondering, once oyu have mulitple clients, multiple accounts you are billing, and constant business flow, how do you keep track and "do" your invoicing?
I've done one per month per client so far, since these clients are multiple-job folks.. but thinking of moving to a 1st and 15th.... but ow to track what needs to be billed?

[Kristine233]

I do graphic design and web design. I make a invoice/ordering package as they request work and they pay for it when they want to start the project. Unless its a huge project that costs a lot, I require payment up front. So no ongoing invoices. My cart software keeps track of orders for me and I manually change the status as needed. I find that it saves you from having to figure out how to get clients to pay if they suddenly decide they don't want something after all etc. I love work at home moms, but you have to realize some get gung-ho about new endeavors and a month or so later decide not to continue with it. If you aren't paid in advance you may have just done all the work and they think they don't have to pay you because they decided not to go on with that project anyways.

There are also scam artists out there who really know how to play you. Act all sincere, get the services and then disappear. Its the internet, people are not always who you think they are!

I've had this happen only once, I was scammed on a web design package... long story. But I've seen far worse scenarios happen to other WAHM designers and feel pretty lucky in my very few bad apples I've gotten.

%99 of my clients completely understand! My regulars know the procedure and just tell me "Its time for another project, here it is, make the services package". This also allows me to regulate my work load as well.