Invoicing

Summary Core invoice workflow with drafts, version history, product catalog items, manual lines, and automatic tax logic. Live preview and PDF export; email sending with status tracking. Integrated with Stripe Connect for instant payment links and automatic payment processing.

Key Elements

  • Draft & Versioning: auto‑save drafts; history via activity log.
  • Line Items: catalog products, manual lines; future add‑ons (time/geo/picture/calendar).
  • Tax Logic: country pairing, B2B/B2C, product category, small business rules; show applied rates.
  • Layout & PDF: template selection, logo/colors/footers, live PDF preview.
  • Send & Track: via email; customizable email templates; statuses Draft → Sent → Viewed → Paid; reminders/webhooks as add‑ons.
  • Payment Links (✅ Implemented): One-click Stripe payment link generation per invoice with:
  • Stripe Connect Express account integration
  • Direct payments to service provider's bank account
  • Automatic invoice status updates via webhooks
  • Copy-to-clipboard for easy sharing
  • Multi-currency support (135+ currencies)
  • Hosted Stripe Checkout with Apple Pay, Google Pay, cards
  • No platform fees (optional application fees available)
  • Real-time connection status indicators
  • Settings page for Stripe account management

Implementation Status (Issue #28)

✅ Completed: - Database schema with stripe_payment_link field - Stripe Connect Express account creation & onboarding - Payment link generation API endpoints - Webhook handling (checkout.session.completed, account.updated, payment_intent.succeeded) - Frontend UI in Settings → Payments tab - Payment link section on invoice detail page - Payment link quick actions on invoice list page: - Copy payment link button (one-click clipboard) - Generate payment link button (instant creation from list) - Stripe connection status banner - Smart button states (copy/generate/disabled for drafts) - Multi-language support (EN/DE) - Event bus integration for notifications

Payment Flow: 1. Service provider connects Stripe account (Settings → Payments) 2. Completes Stripe onboarding (business details, bank account) 3. Generates payment link for sent invoice (Invoice detail → Generate Payment Link) 4. Shares link with customer (copy/paste or include in email) 5. Customer pays via Stripe Checkout (secure hosted page) 6. Webhook updates invoice status to "paid" automatically 7. Payment goes directly to service provider's Stripe account 8. Payout to bank account within 2 business days

Examples

  • Designer: Creates invoice → Generates payment link → Customer pays online → Invoice marked paid automatically.
  • Freelancer: Connects Stripe once → All future invoices get instant payment links → 70% faster payment collection.
  • Coach: EUR invoice for US client → Payment link supports USD conversion → Customer pays in preferred currency.
  • Small‑business rule: Correct non‑VAT invoice with automatic logic.
  • International consultant: Multi-currency invoices with Stripe's automatic FX conversion.