What is a Modeling invoice?
A modeling invoice is a document sent by a freelance model to a client requesting payment for modeling sessions. Professional invoices typically include a description of modeling services provided, payment terms, and a due date.
A high-quality modeling invoice ensures freelance models run a professional business and receive prompt payment from clients.
Note: Are you an independent model who needs an invoice template for freelance modeling jobs? Sign up for Bonsai today to create and download a professional modeling invoice template. Plus, with Bonsai, you can collect payment directly from your clients without waiting for a check in the mail!
What to include in the Modeling invoice
Modeling invoices need to include all the relevant information for a client to pay you. After all, you aren’t working for free!
Typically, a model invoice template includes your name and address, the client’s name and address, the amount due, and a payment deadline. However, there are multiple things you can include to get paid as quickly as possible. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Basic information for a modeling invoice
Whether you decide to create your modeling invoice from scratch or use a freelance model template, every model invoice requires the same basic information.
Ensure the following details are accurate so your client pays the money you earned.
- Invoice Date: The date the invoice was created.
- Due Date: The date your payment is due.
- Invoice Number: This number helps your client track payments in their accounting system. If you’re a new self employed model, consider beginning with a random number.
- Client Information: Include the client’s company name and address and the representative you communicate with.
- Your Information: Your name and business name if you have one, address, and any contact information. Paying you is the goal, so make sure all the information is correct.
- Logo: Does your business have a logo? Include it here to personalize the invoice. If you don’t have a logo, consider using a headshot from your comp card in your invoice template.
An itemized list of services
In this section of your model invoice, include all the details about the job or jobs you’re billing for. Let’s look at the essential information and a few examples depending on the modeling services you provide.
- Item Name: Include the name of the gig or event you completed for the client. Consider simple terms such as “Spring Fashion Show” or “January 10 Product Modeling Shoot” to identify your projects. Consider also including the location address for quick reference.
- Units: Units can mean different things depending on the modeling services. Units are hours worked in hourly rate jobs while jobs with flat rates might view units as the number of times you completed that service — for example, three product shoots.
- Rate: Rate is the cost for the modeling service provided. It may be the hourly rate or the flat fee.
- Amount: This is the total amount of money you get paid for the item described. Units times rate should always equal the amount in your template. For example, if the shooting rate is $50 per hour and required 4 hours, the amount is $200.
When listing items on your model invoice, don’t forget to include other costs you incur from working with the client.
For example, models often leave travel expenses and wardrobe fees off of invoices despite cutting into your freelance modeling revenue. Keep track of these costs and include them in your client bill. If not, you might end up inadvertently working for free. You don’t want that!
Total amount due to the freelance model
Typically, this section is the easiest one of the entire self employed invoice. Add up the various amounts listed in the previous section, and that’s the total amount of money the client must pay you. However, there are occasionally other factors to consider.
Do you need to charge tax? Are you offering a discount on the final bill? While uncommon, you include them here in a freelancer invoice.
If you’re using a modeling invoice template, the amount after taxes or a discount will automatically adjust. If not, ensure your math is correct before sending the invoice to your client.
Additional items to include in a freelance modeling invoice
When you create invoices for clients, be sure to include any details or additional information necessary for the company to issue payment. Here are a few things to consider when creating a modeling invoice:
- Late Fee: Adding a percentage fee if clients don’t pay on time encourages clients to process the bill quickly. Consider a 5% or 10% fee if the invoice is not paid within 30 days.
- Payment Methods: Do you expect the business to mail a check? Do you accept credit cards or types of payments? A professional freelancer invoice includes how you expect payment.
- Processing Fee: If you accept online payments, does the client pay the credit card processing fee? Using a high-quality modeling invoice template from Bonsai not only creates the invoice, but you can also accept payments and charge clients all the processing fees. This way, you retain all of the money you earned!
While it may seem like many things to include, a typical self employed invoice should only be a single page or a single PDF download. Remember, the simpler your invoice, the better. Most companies handle tons of paperwork, so you want to make it as easy as possible to get paid for the job.
How to write a Modeling invoice
There are a few ways to write a new modeling invoice. You can either create the invoice from scratch or use a blank invoice template from a program like Microsoft Word or a service like Bonsai.
Whichever option you choose, there are two things to consider when creating a new invoice: what does that client want, and what sets you apart?
Find out exactly what the client wants
All businesses want the same thing when it comes to paperwork: simplicity.
Keep your invoice to a single page and include all the details necessary to make billing as simple as possible. Not only will your clients find this helpful, but it will also ensure you’re paid on time.
Consider a self employed invoice template to make billing clients easier.
Invoice templates are readily available for download, cover the typical fields necessary, and typically have a professional appearance. This gives clients the detail they want while saving your time.
Highlight what sets you apart
Working as a self employed fashion model means you can likely command a conversation with a few facial expressions. However, a modeling invoice is impersonal paperwork that asks clients to pay a bill. That doesn’t mean models can’t do anything to make their invoice template stand out and convey personality.
As mentioned before, consider a headshot from your comp card as your invoice logo. This adds personality while keeping the invoice a piece of professional business paperwork. Plus, it’s free advertising for future jobs.
Using a self employed invoice template from Bonsai’s collection allows you to add a logo and personalize the invoice as necessary. This way, your bill stands out among others and ensures your services receive quick payment without hours of effort.
Creating a Modeling invoice is simple with Bonsai
Using a self employed invoice template from Bonsai saves you time.
Being self employed means you are responsible not just for your modeling career but the administration and billing as well. Bonsai created high-quality and professional invoice templates with models like you in mind. We focus on the payment terms so you can focus on providing services to more clients.
Bonsai lets you customize your model invoice template to include all the necessary costs, expenses, and options. Plus, Bonsai sends invoices to the client’s email address for download, collects payments, and enables you to pass along the processing fee.
Not only do you get paid on time, but Bonsai handles all of the work! Bonsai is the business tool every freelancer needs.
Modeling invoice FAQs
Do you still have questions about modeling and invoice templates? Here are a few frequently asked questions and common answers.
How much money can I earn as an independent model?
Salaries for freelance models working in the fashion industry vary widely. The average self-employed model can earn around $30 per hour, or $60,000 per year depending on their experience, market, and projects.
How do I know clients receive my self employed invoice template?
All interactions are recorded when you create an invoice using a Bonsai invoice template. Bonsai even sends a reminder to download and issue payment if they’re late. A freelancer who doesn’t create invoices with Bonsai will need to send invoices via registered mail to ensure delivery.
