A guest post from Janelle Fendall Baglien of Studio Art Direct, Inc.
I like the post on polishing your communication. The corporate art market is a great place to stream in income. However, I have noticed a lack of business etiquette and standards in this arena with artists. Here are some suggestions.
Artists need to create standard contracts, invoices, Certificates of Authenticity, especially when dealing B to B.
For example, I require a proposal outlining all info provided to artist, especially for commissions or rentals, showing the full amount, and the ½ down due (which is my standard at beginning of a job). After that, I require a final invoice showing the ½ down paid, and the remainder due. Like most businesses, I never pay without out this paper trail. For both proposal and invoice, I need the following information:
- An invoice should always include:
- Date
- Invoice number or PO
- Full contact info of artist (address, phone, web, etc.)
- The name of the project: “Sacred Heart Hospital”
- The purchasers information: company, name, address, phone
- A complete, itemized list of art purchased including title, size, medium, framing, and etc.
- Information on royalty or use (if commission, image use, or rental)
- The TOTAL of purchase
- The amount paid down
- The total amount due
- Payment due (upon receipt, due 30 days, or whatever)
Other items that I sometimes require are “letters of authenticity” and “letter of engagement” (which I provide the artist outlining all the details clearly including uses, schedules and milestones, etc), and well crafted bios.
IRS requires a social security number or EIN for purchases over $600 especially if it is contracted or commissioned work. Don’t be offended if you’re asked for it.
When dealing BtoB, invoices are not paid immediately. Expect at least 1 week when you request “due upon receipt.”
3 thoughts on “What to put on an invoice”
Alyson, Just to be clear….the IRS wants the client to have my social security number….only….I don’t need theirs? I use the Working Artist invoice which automatically includes all you state…nothing about a social security number though. Nobody has ever asked for one.
Nancy: This is why it’s not a bad thing to get an EIN (tax ID #), which you can use in place of your SSN. Yes, if any kind of dealer (or business) pays you $600 or more in one year, they are required by law to submit a W2 form to you and to the IRS. Before doing this, they’ll ask you to complete a 1099 form for their records. This is standard operating procedure. Disclaimer: I’m not an attorney or CPA. Check with yours first!
how can i see a sample of the document?Thanks