Blog>Trade>Growing your trade business>What you need to know about creating a cleaning fee invoice
Last updated: 18 December 2024
What you need to know about creating a cleaning fee invoice
It pays to ensure the invoice for your cleaning services contains all the right information. Using a cleaning invoice template is a great way to do this. In this article, we show you what to include in an invoice for a cleaning business.
Many tradespeople view invoicing as a chore. It can be fiddly and time-consuming. However, a cleaning fee invoice done properly can ensure you are paid in full and on time.
However, you won’t get paid if you don't invoice. Using a handy quoting and invoicing tool (like ours) can speed up the process.
Whatever type of cleaning business you run, you need to keep your admin tidy. Your earnings could be high. House cleaners and office cleaners can expect to earn well – but only if you handle invoicing efficiently.
Whether you’re starting a cleaning services business or wanting to grow a successful one, getting on top of your invoicing should be one less burden off your shoulders.
Why do you need a cleaning fee invoice?
As an experienced and skilled cleaner, it is likely you have a full schedule of work with multiple customers. You probably handle more than one job on a given day.
A cleaning invoice will therefore keep track of what you do, and what you need to be paid. It helps ensure you bill customers correctly and run your business better.
Managing your business expenses
Cleaning work can involve buying lots of materials and supplies. You might have to pay for these in advance of a job.
An invoice can include a charge to customers for labour as well as materials. By including all chargeable costs on your cleaning service invoice, you can avoid being out of pocket on jobs.
Manage your cleaning business to better results
Our quoting/invoicing tool can help your business grow
Keeping accurate business accounts
Keeping records up to date can include using invoices. Tidy paperwork helps you prepare accounts. You’ll need these to submit your tax returns to HMRC. Your accounts show how much profit or loss your trade business makes.
Controlling your cash flow
With a cleaning fee invoice, you can manage your cash flow better. Invoicing jobs promptly helps you pay your business bills on time.
Paying your tax bill
As a tradesperson, you probably have to pay income tax on your taxable profits. With a cleaning invoice, you’ll know precisely your income and expenditure.
This should give you confidence that you are paying the right amount of tax.
Make invoicing part of your business plan
Remember that your cleaning invoice isn’t a document you create in isolation. It’s a key part of your business records.
You can use the invoice for cleaning services to help write a business plan. Information from your cleaning fee invoice will show the timing, frequency and value of jobs.
How to write a business plan
Why use a business plan for a small business? Every business needs to create a business plan. But what is it? A business plan is a written document that outlines: 1. Where you are now 2. Where you want your business to be in the future 3. How you're going to get there. A clear business plan will
Using a cleaning invoice template
Nowadays, creating a cleaning fee invoice can be done digitally. Using old-fashioned manual methods can slow you down. You might make more errors with manual records.
A cleaning invoice template simplifies the process. It keeps you on top of your business records. And that means less time spent on administration.
The beauty of a cleaning invoice template is that you can tailor it to suit your business. For example, you could have a house cleaning invoice template. If you handle commercial buildings as well, then a cleaning invoice template can be adaptable.
The right tool for the job
Our quoting and invoicing tool for Checkatrade members can be used to create a cleaning fee invoice. All you need to input are a few key details.
Send quotes to customers easily. When you complete a job, enter details on the app. It converts them into your cleaning invoice. All you have to do is choose which method to send it to your customers.
Our quoting and invoicing tool - saves time on your admin
With tradespeople estimated to spend around 2.5 hours every week on quoting and invoicing customers, our tool is designed to help streamline your job processes. It's easy to use, and generates both quotes and invoices at the touch of a button. > “Our members often tell us that quoting is a pain
What goes in a cleaning invoice?
Set up a cleaning invoice template and most of the hard work is already done for you. A house cleaning invoice template or for other services prompts you for information.
Here are the main items you should include in a cleaning fee invoice:
Invoice number – unique and in sequence
Date
Your trading name, address and contact details
Customer details (of whoever you are invoicing) – their name and address
Description of the work or service you have provided
Dates when the work took place
The amount charged – including your time and any materials they are to pay for
VAT – if you are VAT-registered
Payment terms (see below) – when you expect to be paid
Your trade business account details – for customers to pay you
These are the basics for self-employed sole traders. Partnerships and limited companies are other forms of trade business.
They might require other information on the cleaning fee invoice. Make sure you understand your business structure so you include the correct details.
Manage your cleaning business to better results
Our quoting/invoicing tool can help your business grow
The importance of including terms and conditions
As we’ve mentioned, getting paid on time gives your cash flow a positive boost. It’s important customers know when you want them to settle their cleaning fee invoice.
Usually, a verbal agreement is all you need. But stating your terms and conditions clearly on your cleaning invoice also helps.
That way, customers can be in no doubt about when they should settle their cleaning service invoice.
Making sure you get paid
Getting your cleaning fee invoice paid on time might not always be plain sailing. Having good customer relationships goes a long way to avoiding payment problems.
Taking precautionary measures in case of difficulties getting a cleaning invoice paid makes sense. After all, you probably want to avoid taking legal or debt collection measures.
Another step if customers find it hard to pay your cleaning service invoice is a payment schedule. This way, you and your customer can agree on how to pay your cleaning fee invoice.
The importance of getting a job confirmed in writing
A Schedule of Works agreement – or contract – is essential for both tradespeople and their customers. Your customers will probably expect some kind of work contract agreement. And not just for large, complicated jobs. Providing a work agreement contract should keep all parties happy. Both of you
Spend more time on business leads
We hope these cleaning invoice template ideas are helpful. You can spend time saved on invoice admin looking for new business. We can help there, too.
Checkatrade members receive our help with new enquiries. There are lots of other benefits of Checkatrade membership too.
They include:
Exclusive offers and discounts with suppliers like Tradepoint and Wickes
Reduced cost of workwear and branding
Guaranteed work when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
Dedicated trades apps for job management and quoting/invoicing
What do you need to become Checkatrade approved?
Becoming a Checkatrade member comes with a whole host of benefits, but the biggest has to be gaining our seal of approval. Homeowners tend to expect a commitment to quality when it comes to the Checkatrade tick, which can help you to win more business. Here are the checks you'll need to pass to join our directory.
FAQs
Do I need a clean fee invoice for my work?
A cleaning invoice is an important business document. It shows customers what they owe for your services and when you expect to be paid.
What is a cleaning invoice template?
A cleaning invoice template is a way to create your cleaning fee invoice digitally. It creates the cleaning invoice for you, making it easier to keep accurate business records.
What goes in a cleaning invoice template
Like any cleaning invoice, the document contains key information. This includes a unique invoice number, date, description of your services and amount charged.
What are the benefits of a cleaning fee invoice?
Accurate information about your sales helps you manage your cash flow, control your business expenses and pay the right amount of tax.
Want to get your cleaning business to the next level?
Checkatrade can help you get there
