Shopify Invoice: The Comprehensive Guide

What components make up a standout Shopify invoice, and how can you customize them to leave a lasting brand impression? How do different invoice types supported by Shopify align with your business processes, and what advantages does Shopify bring to your invoicing game?

Join us on this journey to master the practical and creative facets of Shopify invoicing. How can you seamlessly track your invoices, ensuring smooth transactions and customer satisfaction? Discover the customization options Shopify offers — an essential element in crafting a memorable brand experience for your customers.

Table of Contents

What is a Shopify Invoice?

A Shopify invoice is a document generated by the Shopify e-commerce platform that provides a detailed transaction summary between a customer and a merchant. When a customer purchases a Shopify-powered online store, an invoice is generated and automatically dispatched to the customer. This document serves as a transaction record and includes essential information related to the purchase.

Shopify invoices are typically emailed to customers as part of the order confirmation process. The format and appearance of the invoice can be customized to some extent by the merchant using the Shopify platform, allowing for brand consistency and a professional presentation.

Read more: What is an Invoice? How to create a professional invoice?

What are the Key Components of a Shopify Invoice?

The key components of a Shopify invoice include essential information about a customer’s purchase. Here are the key components typically found on a Shopify invoice:

Store information

• Store name and logo: This section includes the name of the online store and its logo for brand recognition.
• Store contact information: The store’s contact details, including the address and email, provide customers with ways to reach out if needed.

Invoice information

• Invoice number: Each invoice is assigned a unique identifier, the invoice number, which helps track and reference the transaction.
• Invoice date: This is when the invoice is generated, providing a timeline reference for both the customer and the merchant.

Customer information

• Customer’s name: The name of the customer who made the purchase.
• Billing address: The address associated with the customer’s billing information.
• Shipping address: If the customer has provided a separate shipping address, it is included here.

Product/service details

• Product or service names: A list of items or services purchased by the customer.
• Quantity purchased: The number of units or quantity of each item purchased.
• Unit prices: The individual cost per unit of each product or service.
• Total cost: The total cost for each product or service, calculated by multiplying the quantity by the unit price.
• SKU or product code: A unique identifier for each product, helpful for inventory management.

Order summary

• Subtotal: The sum of the costs of all products or services before taxes and shipping.
• Shipping cost: If applicable, the cost associated with shipping the order to the customer.
• Tax: The amount of tax applied to the purchase, which may vary based on the customer’s location and tax regulations.
• Total amount: The overall total cost of the order, including the subtotal, shipping, and taxes.

Payment information

• Payment method: Details about how the customer paid for the order, such as credit card, PayPal, or other payment gateways.

Order notes

• Additional notes: Any special instructions or messages provided by the customer or important notes from the merchant.

Terms and conditions

• Terms of sale: Information about the terms and conditions of the sale, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the customer and the merchant.

Return/refund policy

• Return and refund information: Details about the store’s policies regarding returns and refunds, providing clarity for the customer.

Thank you message

• Expressing gratitude: A brief thank-you message, expressing appreciation for the customer’s purchase, fostering a positive customer experience.

Different Types of Invoices Supported by Shopify

Shopify primarily supports a standard invoice format that includes essential transaction details. While the platform allows merchants to customize the look and feel of their invoices, there isn’t a native support for multiple types of invoices within the Shopify system. However, merchants can adapt the standard invoice to meet various needs. Here are some common adaptations:

• Proforma invoice: This is an initial bill of sale sent to the customer before the actual shipment of goods. It provides details about the products, their prices, and the total cost, allowing the customer to review and confirm the order.
• Commercial invoice: In international transactions, a commercial invoice is often required for customs purposes. It includes details about the products, their value, and other necessary information for customs clearance.

• Credit memo: A credit memo, or credit note, is used to adjust the total amount owed by a customer. It might be issued in cases of returns, refunds, or corrections to the original invoice.
• Partial payment invoice: A partial payment invoice can be issued when a customer makes a partial payment. It reflects the amount paid and the remaining balance.
• Recurring invoice: For subscription-based businesses, recurring invoices are used to bill customers regularly for ongoing services or products.
• Past due invoice: If a customer fails to make payment within the specified timeframe, a past due invoice may be issued to remind them of the outstanding payment.

Why is Using Shopify for Invoicing Beneficial for Your Business?

Using Shopify for invoicing can offer several benefits for businesses, especially those operating in the e-commerce space. Here are some reasons why using Shopify for invoicing can be advantageous:

• Integrated e-commerce platform: Shopify is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that not only facilitates online sales but also seamlessly integrates invoicing into the entire sales process. This integration helps streamline operations by centralizing order and payment information.
• Automated invoicing: Shopify automates the invoicing process. Invoices are generated automatically when a customer makes a purchase, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors. This automation improves efficiency and saves time for business owners.
• Consistency in branding: Merchants can customize the look and feel of their Shopify invoices to align with their brand. This consistency in branding across the entire customer experience, including invoices, contributes to a professional and cohesive image.
• Ease of use: Shopify is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for businesses of various sizes. Managing invoices, tracking orders, and handling transactions are simplified, even for those without extensive technical knowledge.
• Order tracking and management: The platform provides a centralized location for managing orders and invoices. Merchants can easily track the status of orders, view payment information, and manage inventory, contributing to effective order and business management.
• Secure transactions: Shopify places a strong emphasis on security. Customers can trust the security, and merchants benefit from a secure payment processing system that adheres to industry standards.

• Mobile accessibility: Shopify offers mobile apps that allow merchants to manage their business on the go. This includes accessing and reviewing invoices, monitoring sales, and staying informed about the overall performance of the online store.
• Scalability: Shopify is scalable, meaning it can accommodate the needs of businesses as they grow. Whether a business is just starting or has already achieved significant scale, Shopify can adapt to the changing requirements of the business.
• Third-party integrations: Shopify supports various third-party apps and integrations, including accounting software and other business tools. This flexibility allows merchants to extend the functionality of their invoicing system and integrate it with other essential business processes.
• Customer communication: Shopify’s automated system sends invoices and order confirmations to customers, improving communication and keeping customers informed about their purchases. This contributes to a positive customer experience.

While Shopify may not provide all the features of specialized invoicing software, it offers a well-rounded solution for businesses engaged in e-commerce, providing a unified platform for online sales, order management, and invoicing. Merchants can leverage Shopify’s features to create a seamless and efficient invoicing process that aligns with their business needs.

How to Get a Shopify Invoice?

In Shopify, the generation and distribution of invoices are typically automated processes. When a customer purchases your Shopify store, the platform automatically generates an invoice and sends it to the customer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how customers can get a Shopify invoice:

• Make a purchase: Customers need to purchase on your Shopify-powered online store. This involves adding products to their cart, advancing to the checkout, and finalizing the payment process.

• Receive order confirmation: Customers receive an order confirmation email after successfully completing the purchase. This email serves as both an acknowledgment of the order and includes details about the purchase.
• Invoice attachment: The order confirmation email typically includes an attached invoice or provides a link to view and download the invoice. The invoice contains detailed information about the products or services purchased, payment details, and shipping information.
• Accessing the invoice online: Customers can also access their invoices by logging into their customer account on your Shopify store. Within their account, they can view order history, details, and download invoices for past purchases.
• Contacting customer support: If customers have trouble accessing their invoice or need additional assistance, they can contact your customer support team. The contact information for customer support is often provided in the order confirmation email and on the online store.

How to Customize a Shopify Invoice?

Customizing a Shopify invoice involves adjusting the appearance and content of the invoice to align with your brand and meet your business needs. While Shopify provides a standard invoice template, you have the flexibility to make various customizations. Here’s a general guide on how to customize a Shopify invoice:

Customizing Order Notifications

• Log in to your Shopify admin: Access your Shopify admin panel using your credentials.

• Navigate to settings: Click “Settings” in the left menu.
• Go to notifications: Under Settings, select “Notifications.”
• Edit the order confirmation email: Locate the “Order Confirmation” email template. This is the email that includes the invoice information. Click on “Order Confirmation” to edit the template.
• Customize content: In the email editor, you can modify the content of the order confirmation email. This includes the text, formatting, and placeholders for dynamic information (such as customer name, order details, etc.).
• Modify invoice section: Look for the section of the email template that specifically relates to the invoice. You may find placeholders like or . These are dynamic fields that will be replaced with actual customer and order information.
• Add branding elements: Add your store logo, customize colors, and include any additional branding elements that you want to appear in the invoice.
• Preview changes: Use the preview feature to see how your changes will appear in the actual email.
• Save changes: Once you’re satisfied with the customizations, save your changes.

Additional Customization Options

• Use apps: Explore the Shopify App Store for apps offering advanced invoice customization options. Some apps allow you to create fully customized invoice templates with advanced design features.
• Edit liquid code (advanced): If you have coding skills, you can edit the liquid code that governs the appearance of your Shopify store, including invoices. This advanced option requires knowledge of Shopify’s liquid templating language.
• Consult Shopify support: If you encounter challenges or have specific customization needs, consider contacting Shopify support for guidance.
• Important note: Always be cautious when changing email templates or liquid code, especially if you’re unfamiliar with coding. Thoroughly test any changes in a safe environment before applying them to your live store.

How to Track a Shopify Invoice?

Tracking a Shopify invoice involves monitoring its status, ensuring successful delivery to the customer, and keeping payment records. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to track a Shopify invoice:

1. Log in to your Shopify admin: Access your Shopify admin panel using your credentials.
2. Navigate to orders: In the left-hand menu, click on “Orders.”

3. Locate the specific order/invoice: Find the order corresponding to the invoice you want to track. You can search for the order number, customer name, or other relevant details.
4. Review order status: The order status provides information on the current state of the transaction. Common order statuses include “Paid,” “Unfulfilled,” “Fulfilled,” etc.
5. Check payment status: Ensure that the payment associated with the order has been successfully processed. The payment status should indicate whether the payment was received.
6. View invoice details: Click on the specific order to view more details. You can find the invoice number, payment details, and other relevant information within the order details.
7. Check customer notifications: Confirm that the customer has received the order confirmation email, which includes the invoice. The customer notification email typically contains the order summary, including the invoice details.
8. Customer account: If customers have an account on your Shopify store, they can log in and review their order history. This provides them with access to invoices for past orders.
9. Contact customer support: If the customer has concerns or questions about the invoice, they can contact your support team. Ensure that your contact information is readily apparent.
10. Order timeline: Within the order details, Shopify provides a timeline that outlines the key events related to the order. This can include order creation, payment processing, fulfillment, and more.
11. Check for payment in Shopify Payments dashboard (if applicable): If you’re using Shopify Payments, you can also verify the payment details in the Shopify Payments dashboard for additional insights.

Important notes: If you’ve customized your order confirmation email template, ensure the invoice information is clearly presented. Ensure that your customers receive email notifications for their orders, as this is a primary channel for invoice delivery.

4 Useful Shopify Invoice Apps

There are several Shopify apps available in the Shopify App Store that can enhance and customize the invoicing experience for merchants. Here are some Shopify invoice apps that were well-regarded:

1. Order Printer Templates by FORSBERG+two

Order Printer Templates by FORSBERG+two is a Shopify app designed to enhance the customization and printing of invoices, packing slips, and receipts directly from the Shopify admin. 

Here are some key features of the app:

• Advanced customization.
• HTML and Liquid code support.
• Multilingual support.
• Logo and branding integration.
• Print and download options.
• Easy template management.
• Responsive design.
• Automation and bulk printing.
• Customer-facing documents.

2. Sufio: Professional Invoices

Sufio: Professional Invoices is a popular Shopify app designed to automate the generation of professional and compliant invoices for your Shopify store. 

Here are some key features of the Sufio app:

• Automated invoicing.
• Professional and compliant invoices.
• Customizable templates.
• Automatic tax calculation.
• Multi-language support.
• Integration with Shopify orders.
• Delivery note generation.
• Automatic sending to customers.
• PDF download option.
• Bulk invoicing.

3. Order Printer by Shopify

Order Printer by Shopify is a built-in feature in the Shopify platform rather than a third-party app. It enables merchants to create and customize invoices, packing slips, and receipts directly from the Shopify admin. 

Here are some key features of the Order Printer feature within Shopify:

• Built-in functionality.
• Invoice, packing slip, and receipt generation.
• Customizable templates.
• Print and download options.
• Order-specific information.
• Responsive design.
• Integrated with Shopify orders.
• Order timeline.

4. Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that integrates seamlessly with Shopify through the Xero app. The Xero app allows merchants to synchronize their Shopify orders with the Xero accounting platform, streamlining finances and generating invoices. 

Here are some key features of the Xero app for Shopify:

• Automatic order sync.
• Invoice generation.
• Inventory management.
• Multi-currency support.
• Bank reconciliation.
• Tax handling.
• Payment tracking.
• Financial reporting.
• User-friendly interface.
• Mobile access.

Read more: Shopify Payments: Everything You Need To Know

Conclusion

From understanding the core elements of a Shopify invoice to exploring advanced customization, you’re now equipped to transform invoicing into a strategic advantage.

Your Shopify invoices are more than transactional records; they’re opportunities to shape brand perception. By embracing customization, you can turn each invoice into a branded experience that resonates with customers.