💡 Feature request or something not working? Email us — we read and respond to every message.
Create Invoice
Shopify

How to Invoice Shopify Clients as a Developer or Designer

Invoicing Shopify clients is different from general freelance invoicing. Store owners expect to see order references, project milestones, and sometimes recurring retainer lines. Getting this right builds trust, reduces back-and-forth, and gets you paid faster.

Whether you build custom themes, develop Shopify apps, run migrations, or provide ongoing store management, this guide covers exactly how to invoice your Shopify clients professionally — plus a free Shopify invoice generator built for this purpose.

Free Shopify Invoice Generator

Fields for store name, order ID, and Shopify domain. Download as PDF in seconds.

Open Shopify Invoice Tool →

What Makes a Shopify Developer Invoice Different?

A standard freelance invoice covers basic service line items. A Shopify developer invoice should also capture:

  • The Shopify store name and URL — makes the invoice specific and traceable
  • Order or project reference number — especially important for store owners managing multiple projects
  • Work type categorisation — theme development, app integration, store setup, monthly maintenance
  • Milestone breakdown — for larger projects, invoicing by milestone protects both parties

Common Shopify Services and How to Invoice Them

Theme Development

Invoice by project or milestone, not hourly, for fixed-scope theme builds. Break the invoice into: initial deposit (30–50%), mid-project milestone (20–30%), and final delivery (remaining balance). This protects you if the client disappears mid-project.

App Installation and Configuration

This is typically a flat-fee service. Specify the app name, what was configured, and the time taken. Example line item: "Klaviyo email automation setup — 4 hours @ $65/hr = $260."

Store Migration

Invoice in two stages — pre-migration setup and post-migration testing. List the platform being migrated from and the number of products or orders if that affects your rate.

Monthly Retainer

Recurring clients should receive a monthly invoice on the same date each month. Use the Save feature in the free invoice generator to store your retainer template and update only the invoice number and date each month.

Speed Optimisation / SEO

These projects have measurable outcomes — include the before/after metrics in your notes section. "Page speed improved from 48 to 91 (GTmetrix)" is a detail that justifies your rate and builds client loyalty.

Note for Shopify store owners: If you run a Shopify store and need invoices for your B2B customers, use our Shopify invoice generator — it has product line items, order number, and shipping fields pre-built.

How to Structure a Shopify Developer Invoice

FieldWhat to Write
Business NameYour freelance name or agency name
Client NameStore owner's name + "trading as [Store Name]"
Invoice NumberINV-001 (sequential)
Project ReferenceAdd in Notes: "Re: [Store Name] — Theme Redesign"
Line Item 1Theme development — 20 hrs @ $65 = $1,300
Line Item 2Mobile responsiveness — 5 hrs @ $65 = $325
NotesPayment by bank transfer. Store URL: client.myshopify.com

What Rate to Charge Shopify Clients

Shopify developer rates vary significantly by experience and region. As a benchmark:

  • Junior Shopify developer: $25–$50/hr
  • Mid-level developer: $50–$90/hr
  • Senior developer or specialist: $90–$150+/hr
  • Fiverr-based developers: often package-priced ($100–$500 per project)

If you are also a Fiverr seller invoicing outside the platform, use the Fiverr invoice template which supports gig-style line items.

Getting Paid Faster From Shopify Clients

Store owners are often running lean operations. Here is what actually speeds up payment:

  1. Invoice the same day you deliver — do not wait
  2. Include your Wise, PayPal, or bank details directly on the invoice
  3. Set Net 14, not Net 30 — fewer days means less waiting
  4. For new clients, request a 50% deposit before starting
  5. Follow up with a polite email on the due date if unpaid

Free Shopify Invoice Generator

Our Shopify invoice generator is built specifically for store owners and Shopify developers. It includes fields for store name, Shopify domain, and order number. Upload your logo, add your product or service line items, set tax and shipping, and download a branded PDF in seconds — completely free, no signup required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I invoice a Shopify client for a one-time project?+
Create an invoice with your business details, the client's store name and URL, a line item for each deliverable with hours and rate, and payment terms. Use InvoFree's free Shopify invoice generator to create and download as PDF in minutes.
Should I charge Shopify clients hourly or by project?+
For clearly scoped projects (theme redesign, app setup), fixed-price invoicing is safer and easier to manage. For ongoing work or maintenance retainers, hourly or monthly flat-fee billing works best.
What payment terms should I use with Shopify clients?+
Net 14 is recommended for project work. For retainers, invoice monthly and set payment due 7 days after the invoice date. Always request a 50% deposit from new clients before starting.
Does Shopify have a built-in invoice system?+
Shopify sends order confirmation emails to customers but does not generate formal PDF invoices. For B2B customers who need a VAT invoice, or for developers invoicing store owners, use a dedicated tool like InvoFree.
Can I create a recurring invoice for Shopify maintenance retainers?+
Yes. Use InvoFree's free invoice generator, save your retainer invoice template using the Save button, then update the invoice number and date each month before downloading the new PDF.