What is a deposit invoice?
A deposit invoice requests an upfront payment from a client before work begins. It's the first invoice in a project and typically bills a percentage of the agreed total — most commonly 25%, 30%, or 50%. The deposit confirms the booking, covers your early costs, and signals that the client is committed before you invest your time.
How much should a deposit be?
- 25–30% is standard for design, development, and creative project work.
- 50% is common for larger projects, custom work, or new clients with no track record.
- 100% upfront is reasonable for small fixed-price jobs or when you're booking a date (photography, events).
Whatever you choose, state it in writing before you start: the deposit amount, what it covers, and when the remaining balance is due. The calculator above does the percentage math so the number on the invoice always matches the agreement.
How to fill it in
- Enter the project total and your deposit percentage — or tap a preset.
- Copy the calculated deposit into the line amount, and describe what it covers.
- Add your details, the client's details, and how you'd like to be paid.
- Click Print / Save as PDF and choose "Save as PDF."
Don't lose track of the balance
The mistake freelancers make isn't the deposit — it's forgetting to bill the balance, or charging the wrong remaining amount weeks later. A standalone template can't remember what you already collected. Milevo can: it keeps the deposit and the balance attached to the same project, so the remaining invoice is one tap and always reconciles to the total.