Automated recurring invoices turn repeat work into predictable revenue—without monthly copy‑paste. Here’s how to set them up in Invoice Master, what settings matter, and the simple habits that keep cash flowing.
Why automate recurring invoicing?
- Predictable cash flow: Bills go out on schedule; payments become routine.
- Less admin: Replace manual invoicing with a one‑time template.
- Fewer late payments: Pair schedules with reminders and auto‑pay.
- Happier clients: Clean, consistent billing with clear terms.
Works perfectly for retainers, maintenance plans, hosting, coaching, and any subscription‑style service.
Set up recurring invoices in Invoice Master (2 minutes)
- Create an invoice as usual (client, line items, taxes, terms).
- Click Make Recurring.
- Choose frequency (monthly, quarterly, annually, or custom).
- Set start date, send time, and optional end date.
- Toggle Auto‑Send (deliver automatically) and Auto‑Pay (charge saved card via Stripe).
- Save. You’re done—future invoices send on schedule.
New to online payments? Connect Stripe in Settings → Payments and see our guide: Payment Processing: Get Paid Faster.
Best‑practice settings that boost collections
Keep terms short
Net‑0 to Net‑7 reduces outstanding balances. See 7 Invoicing Best Practices.
Send a pre‑charge reminder
Enable an email 3 days before Auto‑Pay so clients aren’t surprised.
Align billing to client workflows
Pick a consistent day of month that matches your client’s AP cycle.
Bundle value, not line‑items
Use one retainer line with a clear scope to avoid disputes.
Review quarterly
Revisit scope and price every 3 months; update the recurrence template.
Dunning & failed‑payment workflow (built‑in)
- Auto‑retries: Configure retry cadence (e.g., day 1, 3, 7).
- Smart reminders: Friendly emails with a secure update‑card link.
- Status tracking: See “Past Due” at a glance; trigger a follow‑up from the invoice.
Need escalation language? See How to Handle Late Payments.
Taxes, discounts & deposits
- Taxes: The recurrence keeps your selected tax rates per line item.
- Early‑pay incentive: Add a % discount with an earlier due date on the template.
- Deposits: Take an upfront deposit on the first invoice; set the recurrence for ongoing months.
Tip: If tax rules or rates change, update the recurring template once—future invoices inherit it.
What to track each month
- Collection time: Average days from issue to payment.
- Failed payments: Count and recovery rate after retries.
- Churn: Canceled recurrences vs. total active.
- MRR trend: Total recurring invoice value month‑to‑month.
Use the Dashboard to spot slippage fast: Dashboard Deep‑Dive.
Common issues & quick fixes
| Issue | What to do | |---|---| | Card expired / declined | Client updates card via secure link; system auto‑retries. | | Client needs a pause | Open the template → Pause (no need to delete). | | Scope creep | Edit the recurring template; notify client before next cycle. | | Tax rate changed | Update tax on the template; verify next preview. | | Wrong send time | Adjust timezone & send window in template settings. |
FAQ
What is a recurring invoice?
An invoice that auto‑generates on a fixed schedule (e.g., monthly) until you stop it.
Can clients pay automatically?
Yes. Enable Auto‑Pay (Stripe). Clients save a card; future invoices charge on due date.
Can I preview the next invoice?
Open the recurrence and click Preview Next to check totals and taxes.
How do I stop or change a recurrence?
Open the template → Pause, Edit, or Delete Recurrence. Past invoices remain intact.
Do reminders work with recurring invoices?
Yes—set before‑due and past‑due reminders in the template.
Next step
Turn one active client into a recurring invoice today. In five minutes you’ll cut a monthly task—and start collecting on autopilot.
👉 Try Invoice Master free | Also read Essential Features of Invoicing Software and Quote → Invoice in One Click
