Signwriter invoice template

How do signwriters usually invoice?

Signwriters quote per sign or per vehicle, take a deposit of around 50% when the design is approved because materials such as panels and vinyl are cut to order, and invoice the balance on installation. Hand painted and gold leaf work is priced by the day plus materials, while vinyl is priced per item. Shop owners pay on 14 day terms and franchise groups on 30.

Signwriters in this example give the customer 14 days to pay, after a 50% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £35 to £60. A full day is typically £280 to £450.

What should a signwriter put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, signwriters should:

• Describe each sign with its size, material and finish; it is the specification the customer approved.
• Invoice the deposit on design approval and credit it on the final invoice.
• Charge design time separately if the customer later takes the artwork elsewhere.
• For vehicle livery, record the registration number on the invoice.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do signwriters charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%, including work for clients outside the UK in some cases, so check the place of supply rules for overseas clients.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for signwriters is usually “Any other activity not listed elsewhere” at 12% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.