Where’s the line between too detailed and just enough? I’ve gone from vague descriptions like “Service Rendered” to explaining each task in a long note.
While clients have been okay with either, I can’t help but think longer invoices might just confuse them.
I just write what I fixed and move on.
I match what the client wants.
Some need every hour broken down - they get ‘Content strategy meeting (2 hrs), wireframe creation (4 hrs), homepage design (6 hrs).’
Others just want the big picture and get ‘Homepage redesign complete.’
You can tell which type they are from how they communicate. Micromanagers ask tons of questions upfront, so they get detailed invoices. Hands-off clients who just want results get simple descriptions.
When I’m not sure, I start simple and add detail if they ask. Way easier than backing down from too much info.
I go middle ground - brief but specific enough that we both remember what happened six months later.
Something like:
Client knows exactly what got done, but I’m not listing every email I wrote or spreadsheet I opened.
Real test: can you look at your own invoice a year later and remember what you did? If it’s too vague, even you won’t know what “project work” meant.
Learned this the hard way when a client asked about an old invoice and I had zero clue what “consulting services” referred to.
One line per deliverable works best. Think ‘Kitchen cabinet installation’ or ‘Electrical panel upgrade’ - don’t break down every wire and screw. Clients want to know what they got, not how you did it. Save detailed breakdowns for change orders or when things go sideways and you need to show your work.
Keep it simple. Just state what you did like fixed dishwasher or replaced water heater. No need for more details.
I keep mine short but clear - just enough so they know what they paid for.
Something like “Website redesign - 3 revisions” or “Logo design and brand guidelines.” Gives them the details without writing a novel about every hour.
Long descriptions just create more stuff for clients to question or negotiate.