On the job
Request a deposit via text message
A deposit text has to say what the money reserves and that it is not the final bill. The line item should use the word deposit.
Say what the deposit buys
Deposits go wrong when they look like a full invoice or like a vague “to secure the date”. The text should name the job, the amount, and what you will do because of it: order the tiles, hold the wedding date, buy the paint. The invoice line should say deposit. Due on receipt is normal, because you do not want to order materials against a deposit that is itself on 30-day terms. When the job is finished, the final invoice is the balance and it should mention this deposit so nobody adds the numbers together by accident.
Deposit of $400 to order the tiles for the rear slope. This is not the final roof invoice. https://invoicetxt.com/i/your-link
Use the word deposit in the text and on the line
Both places. One is not enough.
Say what you will do next
Order, hold, or book. A deposit with no consequence is just an early bill.
Due on receipt
You are about to spend the money or reserve the time.
Point ahead to the balance
They should know a second invoice exists in the future.
What to put on this invoice
- The word deposit
- The amount
- What it reserves
- A promise that the final bill is separate
Questions about this job
What percentage should I ask?
Whatever your quote already said. This workflow does not invent a new percentage on the doorstep.
What if they pay the deposit in cash?
Send the invoice, mark it paid, and still keep it. You will need it when you calculate the balance.
Can I refund it?
Your quote should say when a deposit is refundable. The text is a bad place to invent that policy. This is not legal advice.
A deposit invoice is a small contract in one bubble. Write the bargain, not just the number.
Related guides
Send the final invoice after project completion
The final invoice lists what was delivered, subtracts the deposit in words, and asks for the balance. Send it when the work matches the scope, not when the calendar says the project ended.
Open guide →Invoice multiple jobs in one day via text
Each job gets its own text and its own link, sent before you start the next one. A single catch-up session at night mixes the totals.
Open guide →Create an invoice from job notes
Turn the job note into the invoice line: client, each price, due date. If the note does not contain prices, it is not ready.
Open guide →