A client told me my invoices were confusing and it cost me money

They said the line items were vague, like 'design work'. I lost a $500 project because they couldn't see the value. Now I break everything down, like 'homepage wireframe - 3 hours' and 'logo revision - 1 hour'. Has anyone else had a client push back on how you bill?

3 comments

3 Comments

richard_dixon1mo ago

Totally get that. I started itemizing everything after a client questioned a "consultation fee" on my invoice. Now it's "30-min strategy call" and they never complain.

sullivan.finley1mo ago

Honestly, have you thought about how this changes the client's view of your work's value? Tbh, calling it a "strategy call" frames it as a key step, not just a random chat. Ngl, when you list things clearly, it stops them from seeing your time as a basic cost. It makes them respect the planning behind the service. That small wording shift can totally change how they judge the whole invoice.

stella_murray1mo ago

Absolutely! I started putting "project kickoff call" on my invoices and it made a huge difference. It just sounds way more official than a "chat".