How to Make a Bill of Sale Form

Used for purchases from houses to handbags, bills of sale are an important record-keeping device for both retailer and consumer. If you are selling to the public, you will want to offer your customers a proof of purchase, but the bill of sale is also an invaluable tool for income recording and inventory control. Today's accounting programs generally offer good templates for use in small and large businesses and have the advantage of linking to your bigger financial profile. Even if you opt for hand written records, you should be certain to include these few important elements.

Instructions

1. Preprint the bill of sale with your name or the name of your business. In the event of a blank bill of sale, you can include your information as the "seller."

2. Number the receipts. Each bill of sale should have its own assigned number. Whether you have your bill of sale professionally printed or buy a box of receipts from Staples, they should be consecutively numbered for accounting and dating purpose.

3. Include on each bill of sale the customer's name, address, phone number, payment amount and method. If you accept checks or credit cards, be certain not to run afoul of your state's privacy laws. While you are not required to accept either, you may be prohibited from acquiring the personal information stated above in connection with checks and credit cards. Visit the website below for information on privacy restrictions.

4. Describe the item(s) being sold, including a serial or identification number, and the purchase amount. In the case of a vehicle, you would include the vehicle identification number.

5. Date the receipt.

6. Include terms of sale such as whether the item is sold as a final sale or without warranty. Also indicate the product's FOB (freight on board) which indicates its delivery address.

7. Have the buyer sign the receipt.

Resources

• Privacy Rights