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Step 4 · Ongoing work

Client billing

One-off projects and long-term clients need different billing shapes. A single final invoice may work for a logo; a six-month build usually needs deposits, milestones, or a retainer so cash arrives as value is delivered—and risk stays balanced.

This path covers recurring invoices, customer statements, deposits, progress invoicing, payment plans, and retainer agreements. Each model has a clear job: protect you on large or new work, create predictable monthly income, or recover a balance without ending the relationship.

Guides in this section

  • 2 min read

    Recurring invoices

    Learn what recurring invoices are, when to use them, and how to automate billing to get paid on time.

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  • 2 min read

    Customer statements

    Learn what customer statements are, how they differ from invoices, what to include, and when to send them so you get paid faster.

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  • 2 min read

    Invoice deposits

    Learn when and how to request deposits and partial payments, how much to ask for, and sample wording to get paid upfront without losing clients.

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  • 2 min read

    Progress invoicing

    Bill large projects in stages as work is completed—how it works, methods, a worked example, and how it differs from deposits.

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  • 2 min read

    Payment plans

    Offer payment plans that improve collections and protect relationships—when to use them, how to structure installments, and sample wording.

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  • 2 min read

    Retainer agreements

    Learn how retainers work, main types, how to invoice them, and how they differ from recurring invoices, deposits, and progress billing.

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