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 on-time reminders.
- 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 to deliver invoices automatically.
- 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‑due reminder
Schedule an email 3 days before the invoice is due 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.
When a payment is late
- Send a friendly reminder with the invoice link and highlight the Pay Now button.
- If a saved card fails, ask the client to re-enter payment details via the secure invoice page.
- Escalate with firmer language at +3, +7, and +14 days, referencing your late-fee policy.
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 how many require manual follow-up and how quickly they resolve.
- 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 | Notify the client with the invoice link; they can update card details and resubmit payment. | | 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?
Not yet. Clients receive the invoice with a Pay Now button so they can settle quickly each cycle.
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
