I don’t like billing or bookkeeping.
But it’s a necessary evil and I try to make it as painless as possible.
For the past 15 years, I’ve been using a very simple and effective online bookkeeping system. A day before my annual payment was due, I was notified that the cost would double TRIPLE, so I had to drop the service. 🙁
And now I have a new service
I’m going to use a billing system that’s built into our new Client Portal. (More on that later). When a new invoice is created, you’ll get an email with a PDF just like always.
Important Questions
Q – I’m on a PayPal or Stripe subscription plan. What do I need to do?
A – If you’re on an automatic payment plan, no change is required – and now you’ll be able to see your invoices in the Client Portal. They’ll be marked paid soon after the payment is credited.
Q – My invoice is usually due on the first of the month, but this invoice is off a few days. What gives?
A – I know right? Yes, the invoice is due on the first. The Client Portal recurring billing only allows for ‘relative’ due dates, i.e. 2 weeks from the invoice generation date on the 15th. Weird, I know. But if it says it’s due on the 2nd or 3rd and you pay accordingly, we’ll still be okay. 🙂
Q – I’ve paid a few months ahead already. Does that make a difference?
A – No, your invoice will be generated at the appropriate time and marked paid soon after it’s posted to the Client Portal.
Q – I’m in your Community Service Program. Will I start getting invoices?
A – No.
Q – I usually don’t receive invoices or email notifications. Why start now?
A – Lucky you! 🙂 The thing is, I’ve depended on third-party sites for reporting, etc., but now it’s time to simplify and have everything in one location so I spend less time managing boring bookkeeping stuff, and more time taking care of you! Plus, now you’ll have another record in case you need it.
Do you have a question?
Just drop it in the comment section below or otherwise contact me. If others would benefit from it, I’ll add it to this list.
The new invoices and email will look slightly different, so I’m including screenshots below.
The email will also include an online payment link, as well as a link to the Client Portal where you can view your billing history and many other things which I’ll be rolling out in the 4th quarter. I’ve included an example of the email below.
IMPORTANT – This email WILL include a PDF of the invoice as always. You are NOT required to pay online. 🙂
=============== SAMPLE EMAIL =================
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That’s pretty much it. I know people don’t like change – and neither do I unless it makes things better, so let’s hope for the best! 🙂
I’ll be sending out the next invoices on the 15th.
You may receive an invitation link to the Client Portal before then. At this time, it’s not critical to visit the portal – but if you do, please give me some feedback on your experience so I can fine-tune it and add things you want to see.
I appreciate your patience and if you have any questions, just reply to this email.
Thank you so much for your business! — Ken
