FAQ
What details should I include beyond the base fee for artwork sales?
For transparency, add the artwork title, dimensions, medium, edition number (if applicable), and whether taxes or shipping are included. If offering discounts for bulk purchases or future commissions, note those terms clearly. This reduces back-and-forth with clients who may assume extra costs. For example, a painter might list ‘Original Acrylic on Canvas – 24x36” – $1,200 (Taxes & Framing Extra)’ to set expectations upfront.
How do I handle partial payments or deposits for large commissions?
Word invoices let you split payments by marking sections like ‘50% Deposit Due Upon Approval’ and ‘50% Due Upon Completion.’ Clearly state the deadline for each stage—e.g., ‘Deposit due within 7 days of invoice date’—to avoid delays. You can also add a notes section to explain your policy, such as ‘Deposits are non-refundable unless the commission is canceled within 48 hours.’ This protects your workflow while being professional.
Should I include a late payment policy in my artist invoice?
Yes, but keep it concise and polite. Add a line like ‘Payment due within 15 days; a 1.5% late fee applies after 30 days’ in the terms section. For clients who may not be familiar with invoices, you can soften it by saying ‘Prompt payment helps us continue creating work like this for you!’ This sets boundaries without sounding confrontational. Avoid legal jargon—artists often work with non-business clients who appreciate straightforward language.
Comments
Join the conversation
Sign in to share your thoughts and leave a comment on this resource.
