On this page 5 sections
Plain answers to the questions people ask before ordering invoice books and business stationery: which form to choose, how many parts, what an invoice has to show, and how to set up the file.
Book, pad or loose sets?
Choose an invoice book when every form must be kept in number order: each book holds 50 numbered sets, stitched with a white or manilla cover. Choose an NCR pad when the completed set leaves with someone: 50 sets glued along the top onto a card back. Choose loose NCR sets for clipboards, trays and binders, or when you want terms printed on the back.
How many parts do I need?
| Parts | Colours, top to bottom | Who keeps what |
|---|---|---|
| 2-part (duplicate) | White, yellow | Customer, you |
| 3-part (triplicate) | White, yellow, pink | Customer, you, office |
| 4-part | White, yellow, pink, blue | Customer, site, office, accounts |
What a UK invoice must show
GOV.UK’s guide to invoicing and taking payment from customers lists the details an invoice must include:
- a unique identification number;
- your business name, address and contact information;
- the name and address of the customer you are invoicing;
- a clear description of what you are charging for;
- the date the goods or service were provided (the supply date);
- the date of the invoice;
- the amount or amounts being charged, any VAT, and the total amount owed.
Sole traders must show their name and any business name, and, if trading under a business name, an address where legal documents can be delivered. Limited companies must show their full registered company name, and if they include any director’s name on the invoice they must include all of them. Businesses registered for VAT must issue VAT invoices, which need further details; HMRC explains them. This is general information to help you plan a layout, not legal or tax advice: check with GOV.UK or your accountant for your own business. Numbered invoice books take care of the unique number.
Pick a starting point
- First order? The questions page covers prices, payment, file checks and delivery.
- Making the file? The artwork guidelines give sizes, bleed, binding margins and NCR set-up.
- Waiting for a parcel? The delivery page explains production days and charges, and returns and refunds covers anything that arrives damaged.
Need more help
Every product page has its own questions and answers. If yours is not there, contact us or send the details through the quote form and a person will reply.