Billing revisions properly

Unlimited revisions is the fastest way for a profitable design job to become an unprofitable one. Quote a number of rounds, then bill additional rounds as separate invoice lines at a stated rate. Showing "Revision round 3 (beyond the two included)" on the invoice is far easier than raising it in conversation.

What a design invoice should itemise

Design invoices are read by marketing managers, not accountants, so the descriptions should reflect the process the client experienced.

• Discovery and concept development
• Design of each named deliverable
• Included revision rounds, then additional rounds as separate lines
• Final artwork preparation and file handover
• Transfer or licence of usage rights
• Stock imagery, fonts and print costs paid on the client's behalf

Ownership and the final invoice

In many jurisdictions copyright in a design stays with the designer unless it is assigned in writing. Making assignment conditional on full payment — and saying so on the invoice — gives you real leverage on a late-paying client, which a generic payment reminder does not.