The short answer
Send the invoice before you leave the customer. Include the vehicle, parts and labour on separate lines, and give them a way to pay by card there and then.
What goes on a mobile mechanic invoice
- Your business name, phone and address
- A unique invoice number and the date
- Customer name and the vehicle registration and mileage
- Parts, each with a price
- Labour, with hours and rate
- Call-out charge if you have one
- Total, VAT if registered, and how to pay
Why invoices get left until night
You finish under a car, wipe your hands and the next job is 20 minutes away. Typing it up on a phone is the step that slips. Then it is Sunday and you are guessing what the brake pads cost.
Saying it instead of typing it
With SaidToPaid you say "James Turner, front pads and discs, £180 parts, two hours at £50" and it builds the draft. You check it and send it. See voice invoicing for mechanics.
Which mobile mechanic software to use
We compared the main options in mobile mechanic software compared. If you run a small garage, see garage invoicing software compared.
Frequently asked questions
How do I invoice as a mobile mechanic?
List the vehicle, parts and labour separately, add your terms, and send it from your phone before you leave, ideally with a card payment link.
What is the best mobile mechanic software?
For a solo mechanic who wants fast invoices, a voice-first invoice app like SaidToPaid. For teams that need dispatch, a job-management system.
Should I use a mechanic invoice template?
A template is fine for a few jobs. Once you are chasing payments, an app with reminders saves time. See the mechanic invoice template.
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.”