The short answer
Get the invoice ready before the customer collects. Parts and labour on separate lines, the registration and mileage on top, and a card payment option.
What a garage invoice includes
- Vehicle registration, make and mileage
- Parts, each priced
- Labour hours and rate
- Advisories for future work
- VAT if registered, total and how to pay
Estimates first
Send an estimate before big jobs. On SaidToPaid Pro, customers can accept it online, so there's no argument at collection.
Choosing garage invoicing software
Read garage invoicing software compared. Mobile? See mobile mechanic software compared, the invoice app for mobile mechanics and how to invoice as a mobile mechanic.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best garage invoicing software?
For small garages that want fast invoices by voice, SaidToPaid. For stock control and a bay diary, a full garage management system.
Should a garage invoice include the mileage?
Yes. It helps the customer's service history and avoids disputes.
Can I take card payment from a garage invoice?
Yes. SaidToPaid invoices can include a card payment link.
Invoice terms you can copy
Plain wording to add to the notes on your invoices. Save it once in your settings and it goes on every invoice. General guidance, not legal advice.
Late payment (business customers)
Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. If you are a business customer, we may charge interest on late payment at 8% a year above the Bank of England base rate, plus fixed compensation, under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
Parts warranty
Parts supplied carry the manufacturer's warranty only. Customer-supplied parts are fitted at the customer's risk and are not covered for labour if they fail.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic time is charged even if the customer chooses not to go ahead with the repair.
Waste disposal
A disposal charge applies for used oil, filters, batteries and other waste removed from the vehicle.
The late payment law only covers business-to-business invoices. Fixed compensation is £40 on debts under £1,000, £70 up to £9,999.99 and £100 from £10,000.
From individual Trustpilot reviews
A customer's experience
“I can speak the job details into SaidToPaid, check the invoice draft and send it to the customer. It’s been really useful when I’m working away from a desk.”