For consultants

High-value, low-volume billing. Here's the optimal setup.

Recommended setup

1. Template: Classic or Modern — look authoritative
2. Numbering: {YEAR}-{SEQ:3}
3. Default payment terms: Net 30 (consulting clients are usually larger orgs with slower AP)
4. Quotes first: Always send a quote before starting. Get written acceptance.
5. Stripe optional: Most consulting clients pay by wire transfer or check. Stripe nice-to-have but not required.

Hourly + project hybrid

Common pattern:

• Phase 1 — Discovery (fixed): $5,000
• Phase 2 — Implementation (hourly): 40 hours × $250/hr
• Phase 3 — Support retainer (monthly recurring): $2,000/mo

Each phase = its own invoice or recurring template.

Long sales cycles

Consulting deals can take months to close. Use Quotes for the proposal stage, leaving them in Draft for as long as needed. Convert to invoice only after kickoff.