Attaching receipts to invoices for expense tracking

Invoicing & Payments for Service Professionals
1

Started itemizing expenses on invoices for a new client. They want receipts attached too. Feels like overkill, but maybe it’s standard practice?

Anyone else do this? Wondering if I should push back or just go with it. Trying to find the line between being accommodating and creating extra work for myself.

2

I’ve been in your shoes. When I started out, I thought attaching receipts was a hassle too. But here’s what I learned:

It’s pretty common, especially with bigger clients. They often need it for their accounting.

I handle it this way:

I snap photos of receipts with my phone right away. Quick and easy.

Once a month, I spend about 30 minutes attaching everything to the invoice. Not too bad.

If it takes longer, I add a small admin fee. Most clients are fine with it.

One thing though - make sure you’re clear about this in your contract for new clients. Saves headaches later.

In the end, I found it wasn’t worth pushing back. It actually helped me stay organized. And some clients even prefer working with me because I do this without a fuss.

Just remember to value your time. If it’s taking hours, that’s a different story.

3

Receipts? Eh I just keep 'em in a shoebox. Never had a client ask for 'em before.

4

I get where you’re coming from. Attaching receipts can be a pain.

But if the client’s paying on time, I’d probably just do it. Keeps things smooth.

Maybe ask if they need receipts for everything or just big expenses? Could save you some hassle without rocking the boat.

5

I’ve been down this road before. It’s a bit of a hassle, but not worth making waves over.

My approach:

  1. Set up a system
  2. Batch the work
  3. Adjust your rates

I use a simple folder system for each client. Dump receipts in there as you go. Then, once a month, attach them all at once. Takes maybe 15 minutes.

If it’s eating into your time, bump up your hourly rate a bit to cover it. Most clients won’t even notice.

Remember, it’s all about picking your battles. This one? Probably not worth it. But use it as a learning experience for future client agreements.

Just make sure you’re not underselling yourself. Your time and effort have value, even for the small stuff.

6

Been there, done that. Clients and their receipt requests, right?

Here’s my take:

  1. It’s not uncommon, especially for bigger companies
  2. Pain in the butt? Absolutely
  3. Worth fighting over? Probably not

I’d say go with it for now. But maybe look into:

  • Setting a minimum amount for receipts (like $50+)
  • Using an expense tracking app to make it easier
  • Charging a small admin fee if it’s really time-consuming

In the end, pick your battles. This one might not be worth the headache.

Just remember to factor in this extra work when quoting future projects. Your time ain’t free!

7

Yeah, it’s a hassle. I just do what the client wants. Makes life easier.

If it’s taking too much time, maybe charge a bit more. Or ask if they only need receipts for big stuff.

8

Look, attaching receipts is a pain, but it’s not worth fighting over. I’ve dealt with this plenty of times.

Here’s what I do:

Grab a folder, toss receipts in as you go. Once a month, attach the whole batch. Takes 10 minutes tops.

If it’s eating your time, bump your rate a bit. Most clients won’t even notice.

Just make sure you’re not losing money on it. Your time’s worth something, even for the small stuff.

In the end, it’s easier to just do it than argue. Pick your battles, and this probably ain’t one of them.