Lately, I’ve been wondering if I should include my hourly rate and total hours worked on invoices. Some clients seem to prefer more transparency, while others just want the final amount.
Not sure if this level of detail helps or hurts my professional image. What’s your approach to this?
I’ve tried both ways and landed on a middle ground.
For most clients, I just list the total on the invoice. It’s clean and simple.
But I always keep detailed time logs for myself. They help me:
If a client asks for a breakdown, I can easily provide it. But I don’t offer it upfront.
One trick I use: I add a note at the bottom of my invoice saying ‘Detailed time logs available upon request.’ This shows I’m transparent without cluttering the invoice.
Remember, every client is different. Some might want all the details, others just the bottom line. Be flexible and adjust your approach based on what works best for each relationship.
I scribble the total on a receipt. No fancy stuff. Just get paid and move on.
I’ve gone back and forth on this over the years. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
For new clients or short-term projects, I include the hours and rate. It builds trust and shows I’m not pulling numbers out of thin air.
For long-term clients, I usually just list the total. They know my work quality by then and don’t need the breakdown.
But here’s a tip: Even when I don’t show it on the invoice, I always track my hours and rates privately. It helps me see if I’m pricing things right.
If a client asks for a breakdown, I have it ready. Most don’t, though. They care more about the end result than how long it took me to get there.
Remember, you can always change your approach if it’s not working. Try both ways and see what feels right for your business.
Just list the total on the invoice. Most clients don’t want to see a breakdown of hours. They care about the end result, not how long it took you.
If they ask for more detail, have it ready. But don’t offer it up front. It can lead to nitpicking over hours or questioning your rates.
Keep your invoices clean and simple. Total amount, due date, and how to pay. That’s all you need.
I’ve been doing this for years and it works. Clients pay on time and I avoid unnecessary back-and-forth about hours. Focus on delivering good work and the rest takes care of itself.
I list the total amount and skip the hourly breakdown. Keeps things simple for everyone.
If a client asks for more details, I’ve got the numbers ready. But most don’t care about the hours, just the end result.
Tracking time privately helps me stay on top of my pricing. It’s good info to have, even if I don’t share it on every invoice.
I just put the total on there. Clients don’t care about the details usually. As long as the work’s done right, that’s what matters. Keep it simple, I say.