When doing certain commercial work the client will ask us to send them an invoice for the deposit. This isn't typically how Jobber works as the invoice isn't created until the job is closed usually. What is the best way to send a customer an invoice before having the quote signed, deposit paid, or the job completed? Hope that makes sense. Thanks in advance!
Hi BrandenSewell , thanks for the question. It makes total sense.
In Jobber, the easiest way to take a deposit before the work starts is to use a Quote and collect a deposit through that. Quotes can be approved and paid upfront, so you don't need to wait until the job is closed to receive payment.
The common Jobber flow is:
Create a Quote and include the deposit amount, or request a deposit on the Quote. Send it to the client for approval, then they can pay the deposit right from the Quote. Once the Quote is approved and the deposit is paid, convert it to a Job and continue as normal. The final invoice can be created when the work is done, with the deposit automatically applied.
Would that work for your process, using a Quote to receive the deposit instead of an early invoice?
Required deposits on quotes is the easiest way to collect the deposit, the client balance is adjusted and the final invoice gets paid with the remaining balance. This has helped our business keep track of payments and order materials for upcoming work with the deposit money! We love it!
Large commercial jobs do not work like that
I am having the same exact problem. It seems like this system only lets you collect a deposit on the spot however like you stated commercial work doesn't work like that. Commercial work is usually net 30-45 INCLUDING deposits. Jobber is too residential for that. I am also having problems doing progress invoicing that payment schedule on jobber is set up for residential work. Did you ever come up with a solution?
Thanks everyone for the discussion here, this is really helpful context.
It is great feedback for our team to hear that commercial workflows often need to invoice for deposits upfront, rather than collecting payment at the moment a quote is approved. That is definitely a different process than the typical residential flow, many features are designed around.
For those running into this, I would love to understand the main pain point a bit better. Is it mostly that you are starting at the at the end of the information flow, which means information needs to be entered twice? Or is it more that when you invoice a deposit separately, that payment does not automatically connect back to the job or final invoice the way you would expect?
The more detail you can share about how you typically structure commercial deposits or progress invoicing, the more helpful it is for our team as we continue improving these workflows.
You can send multiple invoices for each job. You could start by sending an invoice labeled "Deposit for job title" and leave the job open to continue to work from there. At the end when you send a final invoice you can create a line item with a negative value for deposits paid up until then on the final invoice.
1. Use a Professional System (Not just Word or Notes)
Leverage tools like Jobber, QuickBooks, or Wave.
These give you:
Branded invoices
Auto invoice numbers
Payment tracking
Card/ACH payment options
2. Format Your Invoice Like a Contractor Who Knows Business
Header (Brand Identity)
A&A Trades and Acquisitions, LLC
Phone | Email | (Optional: website)
Logo (if you have one—this matters more than people think)
Client Section
Customer name
Address
Phone/email
Invoice Details
Invoice #: (ex: AA-1024)
Date issued
Due date: Due upon receipt
Line Item (Make it crystal clear)
Description:
“50% Deposit for [Specific Job Name or Scope]”
Example:
“50% deposit for structural welding and fabrication – per estimate #204”
Amount Section
Total Project Cost: $2,000
Deposit Required (50%): $1,000
Total Due Now: $1,000
Payment Terms (This is where professionalism shows)
Include a short, firm statement:
A deposit is required to secure scheduling and begin work. Remaining balance is due immediately upon project completion unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Payment Methods
List clearly:
Zelle / Cash App / Card / ACH
“Make payable to: A&A Trades and Acquisitions, LLC”
Footer (Sets you apart)
Add:
“Thank you for your business.”
Optional: license/insured note if applicable
3. Clean Example (What Yours Should Look Like)
A&A Trades and Acquisitions, LLC
Invoice #: AA-1024
Date: March 19, 2026
Bill To: John Smith
Description:
50% Deposit for Custom Metal Fabrication Project (Estimate #204)
Project Total: $2,000
Deposit (50%): $1,000
Total Due: $1,000
Due: Upon Receipt
Remaining balance of $1,000 due upon completion.
