Just wrapped up a big project and now facing the invoice. Wondering how much detail to include. Don’t want to overwhelm the client, but also need to justify the high cost. Anyone else dealt with this balance on pricier gigs?
Thinking of breaking it down by major milestones instead of every little task. Might help show the value without getting too granular.
I’ve been there. For big projects, I go with a mix of detail and summary.
My approach:
Start with an overall project summary. One or two sentences max.
List main milestones or phases. Each gets a brief description and its own subtotal.
Under each milestone, I put 3-5 key tasks or deliverables. No need to list every little thing.
Add a total at the bottom.
This way, clients see the big picture and some specifics without getting lost in the weeds.
I also include a note saying detailed time logs are available on request. Most clients don’t ask, but it shows transparency.
Remember, your invoice is a chance to remind them of all the value you delivered. But keep it scannable - busy clients appreciate that.
I’ve tried a few different approaches for big-ticket invoices. Here’s what works best for me:
The one-pager gives a quick overview. Milestones show progress. Deliverables prove value.
I skip the hourly breakdown unless they ask. Most clients don’t care about the nitty-gritty.
Pro tip: Include a line for ‘additional value provided.’ Things like extra revisions or rushed deadlines. Reminds them they got more than they paid for.
If they want more detail, I’ve got it ready. But I’ve found this level hits the sweet spot for most clients.
Remember, the invoice is your last chance to show your worth. Make it count, but keep it digestible.
I just list the big stuff on invoices. Too much detail confuses people. Keep it simple and they’re happy.
I keep it simple with high-value invoices. List the main project phases with brief descriptions and costs for each. Include a short overall summary at the top.
Clients usually just want to see where their money went without too much detail. If they ask for more info, I can always provide it later.
This approach shows the project’s scope without overwhelming them with minutiae.
I just put the main parts of the job on there. Clients don’t care about every little thing. As long as the big stuff is listed, they’re usually good with it.
Here’s how I handle it:
List the main project phases with a brief description for each. Include the cost next to them. Throw in a short summary at the top to recap what you did.
No need to list every little task. Clients just want to see where their money went without getting bogged down in details.
If they ask for more info later, you can always provide it. But most of the time, they’re happy with a simple breakdown.
This shows them the scope of the project without overwhelming them. Keeps things clear and avoids any confusion down the line.