Sending this invoice feels surreal. It’s exhausting watching the project evolve over three months, and now it all comes down to this.
Sure, I nailed it, but part of me wishes I had given them a heads-up. They were all in, but still…
I get those stomach knots after hitting send too. Last year I had a project where my final invoice was double what I usually charge. Avoided checking email for two whole days.
They paid faster than my smaller invoices ever get paid. Big companies budget for this stuff completely different than we think. The person processing your invoice probably handles six-figure payments every week.
Send progress invoices next time. I bill monthly now or hit major milestones. Makes that final number way less scary and keeps money coming in steady.
You earned that money. The project took three months and you delivered. Their finance department processes invoices all day long. Stop second-guessing yourself and send it. If they had budget concerns, they would’ve brought it up during the project.
Big numbers can be strange. Just stay positive.
That feeling never completely goes away. I still get sweaty palms sending anything over a certain amount.
Here’s what helped me:
- Keep records of scope changes during the project
- Document extra hours as they happen
- Save client emails where they ask for more work
If the invoice reflects what you actually did, you’re good. Three months is a long project and scope creep happens. They probably know this too.
Next time maybe send a quick update email halfway through. Something like “we’re tracking toward X amount based on current scope.” Takes the shock out of it without being pushy about money.
Big invoices can be a lot to handle. If you did a good job they should be fine with it.
Worrying won’t help just stay confident in your work.
Three months without talking money is too long. Break it into smaller invoices next time and bill when you hit milestones.
If your work is solid and they signed off on the scope, they shouldn’t be surprised by the final bill.