Tailor invoice template

How do tailors usually invoice?

Tailors take a deposit of around 50% at the first measuring appointment to cover cloth and cutting, and the balance at the final fitting before the garment is handed over, with the cloth, construction and number of fittings stated on the invoice because they define the price. Made-to-measure is priced per garment from a set menu; bespoke from the cloth and the hours. Corporate uniform orders are invoiced per garment on 30 day terms.

Tailors in this example are paid on receipt, after a 50% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £30 to £60.

What should a tailor put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, tailors should:

• Name the cloth, weight and maker on the invoice; it is what the customer paid for.
• Take 50% at the first fitting and the balance at the final fitting, and show both.
• List extras such as additional trousers, linings and monograms separately.
• Record measurements and style notes with the invoice number for repeat orders.

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 tailors charge VAT?

Bespoke and made-to-measure garments are standard rated at 20% once you are VAT registered, which is compulsory above £90,000 turnover; a bespoke tailor making 40 or more suits a year will cross it. Children's clothing is zero rated, including made-to-measure for a child, but adult garments never are. Below the threshold you charge no VAT.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for tailors is usually “Manufacturing yarn, textiles or clothing” at 9% 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.