1. What every videographer invoice must include

A compliant videographer invoice has eight parts: your business name and contact info, a unique invoice number, issue date, payment due date, the customer's name and address, an itemized list of work, the total amount due, and accepted payment methods. If you're collecting sales tax, that line is required too.

2. Set your line items

Most videographers structure invoices around these 3 categories:

Production day — billed by day at a ~$1500 default.
Editing — billed by hour at a ~$95 default.
Equipment / drone — billed by itemized.

3. Set payment terms

The standard for videographers is Net 14 — payment due within 14 days of the invoice date. Most videographers also require a 50% deposit upfront before starting work. Spell out late-fee terms (most states cap monthly late fees around 1.5%) and accepted payment methods on the invoice itself.

4. Licensing & legal disclosures

FAA Part 107 required for commercial drone work.

5. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work is completed (or upon milestone for larger projects). Use software that tracks opens and lets the customer pay by card or bank transfer in one click — the average videographer-class invoice gets paid 2× faster when the customer can pay online without leaving their inbox.

Average invoice

$3,200

Standard terms

Net 14

Typical deposit

50%

BLS code

27-4031

State-by-state videographer invoicing guides

State rules differ on sales tax, statutory late fees, and contractor disclosure requirements. Pick your state for a guide tuned to local law.

How to Invoice as a Videographer: Step-by-Step Guide