What to put on a deposit invoice
- Which quote or contract the deposit belongs to
- The deposit as a percentage and an amount
- What it secures: a date, materials, a booking
- A short due date, usually "due on receipt"
- Whether it is refundable, and under what conditions
Then invoice the balance
When the work is done, create the final invoice for the full amount and enter the deposit in the "Amount paid" field. The invoice then shows the total, the deposit received and the balance due, which is exactly what clients and accountants want to see.
How much deposit is normal?
Some states limit deposits on home improvement jobs; check your state's contractor rules.
- Trades and remodeling: 10–50%, often capped by state law for home improvement contracts.
- Events (DJs, photographers, venues): 25–50% to book the date.
- Freelance projects: 30–50% upfront, the rest on delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Is a deposit invoice the same as a proforma invoice?
Not quite. A proforma invoice is a preview of a final invoice, often used for customs or approvals. A deposit invoice asks for real payment of part of the price.
Is InvoiceCrisp really free?
Yes. You can create and download unlimited invoices, estimates and receipts for free, with no sign-up. The free version uses the Classic template and adds a small "Created with InvoiceCrisp" line at the bottom. Pro removes it and adds more templates, saved clients and history.
Where is my data stored?
Only in your browser, on your device. Your business details, clients and invoices are never uploaded to our servers. Use "Back up data" to keep a copy or move it to another computer.