[thelist] Invoice and Timeline for Web site

[Richard Bennett]

Hi,
I expect they want a document breaking the project down into deliverables.
The actual invoices follow later.

You should basically put together a document scoping the project. This
should be quite detailed, and should be done with the necessary care. when
finished they will review it, maybe suggest some changes, and finally both
parties should sign this. An example layout would be:

CustomerX Website Proposal:

a)Introduction:
This document represents the scope and timeline for
completing the companyX website project etc etc

Project timeline:
1) Research (deliverable) 16 hours
    A two day factory visit + brainstorming sessions
    with section managers etc

2) Planning (deliverable) 20 hours
    The basic site architecture will be decided + sketches etc

3) etc etc

If scoping the whole project is hard, you can break it down into separate
phases.

Payment:
    An hourly rate is set at: $X
    CustomerX agrees to pay $2000 advance at the signing
    of this document.
    CustomerX agrees to pay monthly invoices for deliverables
    completed in that month, as submitted by contractorY.
    Invoices are to be paid within a 30 day period.

 Security:
    ContractorY assumes no liability for system security
    outside of it’s direct control. etc ect

Hardware and Domain Name:
    Who pays for and arranges the server, and the domain name?

Other legal provisions might be necessary, depending on the scope of the
project you might want to check with a layer, especially if e-commerce is
involved.

--------

When I send an actual invoice for payment, I don't write much detail on the
invoice, just something like:

CompanyX website project, deliverable 6, 7 and 8 as agreed in
cumentX -   -   -   $XXXX

(Plus your company details, preferred payment method (checks should be made
payable to ....), payment period etc)
The above are just some points... more is involved, so some help from a
local "starting business help" might be required.

Cheers,
Richard.

----- Original Message -----
From: "ToddManaze" <toddmanaze at ev1.net>
I have landed my first "freelance" job and I am unfamiliar with the
business side. It is a lot harder than I expected, they client has asked
for an invoice containing pricing for everything and time line for the
project. What should the invoice look like? I would like to see an
example! I am looking for any helpful information. Thanks