Home Staging Invoice Template - Australia

Structure your furniture rental charges by clearly specifying the rental duration—typically 2-4 weeks. Break down the cost as a weekly or fixed-period rate per room package (e.g., "Living Room Package, 3 weeks @ $400/week = $1,200"). This approach helps clients understand value and allows for accurate tracking if rental periods extend. Clearly state pick-up and drop-off dates on the invoice to avoid disputes. In Australia, apply 10% GST to rental charges. Many successful stagers charge premium rates for properties in premium suburbs and adjust pricing based on project complexity.

Yes, home staging services in Australia are generally subject to the 10% Goods and Services Tax. This includes consultation fees, styling labor, furniture rental, installation, and de-staging services. You must register for GST if your annual turnover exceeds the threshold. Your invoice must clearly show the GST amount separately and include your ABN. If you're not GST-registered, you cannot claim GST on services. Some very limited exceptions exist for residential rental agreements, but staging services typically don't qualify. Always check with the ATO or your accountant to confirm your registration status and obligations.

A 25% to 50% deposit is standard in the Australian home staging industry. Collect deposits before starting any work to secure the booking and protect against last-minute cancellations. The deposit amount depends on total project value—larger projects (over $2,000) often require only 25%, while smaller projects may justify 50%. Clearly state your cancellation policy on the invoice or contract: specify which cancellations are refundable (e.g., more than 14 days notice) versus non-refundable. Invoice the deposit with the full project amount listed so clients see the total cost, with "Deposit Paid" noted accordingly.

Use separate line items to distinguish between one-time services and recurring costs. For example: "Initial Staging Consultation" ($450, once), "Living Room Installation Labor" ($300, once), "Furniture Rental—Living Room Package" ($400/week for 3 weeks), and "De-staging Service" ($200, once). This clarity helps clients understand which charges repeat and which are fixed. Include the rental start and end dates on each rental line item. Invoicing this way also makes it easier to adjust billing if clients extend their rental period or request additional styling. It demonstrates professionalism and builds client trust.

This depends on your agreement. If the real estate agent hired you, invoice the agent directly—they typically pass costs to the property owner or include staging in their marketing budget. If you contracted directly with the property owner, invoice them. In some cases, the agent coordinates but the owner pays; clarify this upfront in your initial agreement to avoid invoice disputes. Include who authorized the work on your invoice ("Authorized by: [Name]") to prevent confusion. Always confirm payment responsibility and contact details before work begins to ensure your invoice reaches the correct decision-maker.

Document furniture condition before installation with detailed photographs and a condition report signed by you and the client. A simple invoice note isn't sufficient legal protection—use a separate damage liability waiver or terms document. On your invoice, reference "Staged inventory documented and inspected on [date]" to create an audit trail. Require clients to report damage within 7 days with photographic evidence. Clearly state what types of damage are client-responsible versus normal wear-and-tear. Consider public liability insurance that covers staged goods. These steps demonstrate professionalism and significantly reduce fraudulent damage claims.

Break your invoice into distinct sections by room or service type: "Consultation and Planning," "Installation and Styling," and "Furniture Rental" with sub-items for each room. For example, separate line items for "Living Room Styling Package," "Bedroom Styling Package (Qty: 2)," and "Kitchen Accessories Installation." This structure helps clients see exactly where their investment goes and makes it easier to upsell additional rooms or services. It also simplifies invoicing if clients want to reduce scope (e.g., removing one bedroom). Each line item should have a quantity, unit rate, and total. This professionalism often justifies premium pricing.

Invoice de-staging as a separate line item on the same invoice as the staging work if the timeline is clear (e.g., "De-staging and Collection: 3 weeks from move-in date"). However, if de-staging occurs weeks or months later, send a separate invoice to reflect the actual service date and simplify cash flow tracking. Include specific details: "De-staging Service + Furniture Collection" with the collection date and any transport charges. This separation helps clients budget for end-of-lease-related staging expenses and demonstrates that you're tracking the full project lifecycle professionally. Many stagers charge 50-70% of the staging cost for de-staging.