How Do Invoice Numbers Work?

Sliptree prides itself on clarity and customisability, which is why we set up our invoice numbers the way we do. We encourage our clients to meet their invoice legal requirements combined with customisation to adapt to your current way of working.

What is the Invoice Number Format?

Think of invoice number format like a template or blueprint for the actual invoice that will be created based on the format and the sequence number.

What Are Sequence Numbers?

Sequence numbers are sequential numbers assigned to each individual invoice.

How Are The Two Used To Create An Invoice Number?

When creating an invoice, the placeholders in the format are replaced with actual values, so for example {Y}-{M}-{N} becomes 2017-01-22.

How Invoice Number Formats Work In Sliptree

Invoice numbers are created in the following format:

{Y}{M}{D}{N} = {Y} being the year, {M} being the month, {D} being the day and importantly the {N} being a random number we assign to differentiate each individual invoice. For example this format will make your invoice number as follows:

201701261 - the red "1" at the end denotes your first invoice, sent on the 26th January 2017, meaning the second invoice will appear as 201701312. (Second invoice sent on the 31st January 2017) Subsequent invoices will contain a 3, 4 on the date the invoice is created and so on.

Tip: You can amend the sequence of the numbers, and remove the values you do not want. Simply change the format around e.g. {Y}{D}{M}{N} = 201726011 or {N} = 6

Tip: Certain countries require sequential numbered invoices, Sliptree encourages you to try different formats but advises you to follow sequential numbered invoices where possible.

Estimate Number Format

Estimates are the same as invoices, merely enter the format you wish and as the same as invoices your next one will be in sequential order when you create them on the day.

How do I change the formats?

There are a couple of ways.

Either: Click on your organisation in the top right hand corner and select Organization settings > Preferences and scroll down to either Invoices or Estimates. You then have two boxes for each - Next invoice number where you can determine what the next number {N} should be (e.g. 1, 2 and so on). The following box is titled Invoice number format and here is where you can specify your format {Y}{M}{D}. Please do not forget to include the curly braces { } or delete them, otherwise the data contained in them will not be added to your final invoices or estimates.

Hit Save Changes and you are set to go!

Tip: Should you wish to remove a format segment e.g. {D} then you can delete the character as necessary. Please note that your invoice/estimate number will appear as 2017011.

Or:

When creating a new invoice or estimate, you can make changes on the document by clicking Invoice No. - a box will pop up where you are able to amend the number and format of the invoice. The changes that you make will apply for the document itself, AND all future documents.

N.B! Should you make changes to an existing invoice or estimate, the changes in question will only apply to that document only. You can change other invoices and estimates if you need to, but will have to do it one by one. Please note that changing previously sent invoice formats will not amend the invoices or estimates that your clients have received.