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What is a line item?

A line item is a single row on an invoice — one product or service with its description, quantity, and price. Good line items are specific ('Brake pad replacement — front axle, parts + labor') rather than vague ('services rendered'), because specificity is what gets invoices paid without questions.

In practice

Instead of one line 'Website work $3,000,' a developer lists: 'Homepage design x1 $1,200; Contact form build x1 $600; 3 revision rounds x$400 $1,200.' The client can see exactly what they're paying for.

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Frequently asked questions

How detailed should line items be?

Detailed enough that the client never has to ask 'what is this?' — task, quantity, and rate on every row. Vague lines slow payment.

How many line items is too many?

There's no limit, but group ruthlessly: 5–10 clear lines beat 40 micro-tasks. Bundle small tasks under one descriptive line.

Should line items include the date work was done?

For hourly or multi-visit work, yes — a date or date range per line kills most 'when was this?' questions.