> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/invoicing-with-paintscout.md). # Why PaintScout Invoicing? {% hint style="success" %} **Start Here:** New to invoicing? Begin with [How to Create and Send an Invoice](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/how-to-create-and-send-an-invoice.md) for a step-by-step walkthrough. {% endhint %} Getting paid should be as smooth as writing the estimate. PaintScout's invoicing features let you convert accepted estimates into invoices, send payment requests to customers, collect payments online via credit card or ACH, and track every dollar from deposit to final balance — all without leaving the platform. ## How Invoicing Works in PaintScout The invoicing workflow in PaintScout is designed to flow naturally from your estimates: 1. **Create an invoice.** Once a customer accepts an estimate, you can [create and send an invoice](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/how-to-create-and-send-an-invoice.md) directly from that estimate. PaintScout pulls in the accepted scope, pricing, and customer details automatically, so there is no re-entering data. 2. **Send payment requests.** A [payment request](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-create-a-payment-request.md) is a specific ask for money — whether it is a deposit before work begins, a progress payment, or the final balance. You can send multiple payment requests against a single invoice to break the job into manageable payment milestones. 3. **Collect payments.** When connected to a payment processor like [Stripe](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payments/payment-processing-with-stripe.md) or [Wisetack](/support/integrations/financing/wisetack-integration.md), your customers can pay online by clicking a link in their email. PaintScout records the payment automatically and updates the invoice balance. 4. **Track everything.** The [Payments Table](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/payments-table-overview.md) gives you a clear view of what has been paid, what is outstanding, and what is overdue across all your invoices. ## Key Invoicing Features * **Deposit requests** — [Request a deposit](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-request-a-deposit-payment.md) before starting work to secure the job and protect your cash flow. * **Multiple payment requests** — Break a large job into several payment milestones so customers pay as work progresses. * **Manual payments** — If a customer pays by check or cash, you can [manually record the payment](/support/invoicing-and-payments/recording-payments/how-to-manually-add-a-payment.md) to keep your records accurate. * **Customer payment experience** — Learn [how customers make a payment](/support/invoicing-and-payments/recording-payments/how-customers-make-a-payment.md) so you can walk them through the process if they have questions. * **Payment request management** — [Delete](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-delete-a-payment-request.md) or [mark payment requests as paid](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payment-requests/how-to-mark-a-payment-request-as-paid.md) as needed to keep your invoice records clean. ## Tips for Faster Payments * **Connect a payment processor.** Online payments via Stripe dramatically reduce the time between sending an invoice and getting paid. Customers can pay with a single click. * **Request deposits up front.** A deposit secures the customer's commitment and improves your cash flow before materials are purchased. * **Send invoices promptly.** The sooner a customer receives an invoice after accepting an estimate, the sooner they are likely to pay. * **Enable payment notifications.** Turn on payment-received emails in your [profile settings](/support/account-settings/your-profile/setting-up-email-notifications.md) so you know the moment money comes in. ## Articles * [How to Create and Send an Invoice](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/how-to-create-and-send-an-invoice.md) * [Payments Table Overview](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/payments-table-overview.md) * [Creating Invoices](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/creating-invoices.md) ## Related articles * [Payments Table Overview](/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/payments-table-overview.md) — Manage payment requests, recorded payments, and credit card charges * [Adding Payment Methods](/support/invoicing-and-payments/payments/adding-payment-methods.md) — Choose which payment methods appear on invoices --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.paintscout.com/support/invoicing-and-payments/invoices/invoicing-with-paintscout.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.