repeating
Feature Request: Repeating Invoice Preview & Breakdown
Summary
Add a real-time preview panel to the repeating invoice setup screen that clearly shows how many invoices will be generated, their dates, and expected amounts—similar to the instalment breakdown experience in GoCardless.
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Problem
When creating repeating invoices in Xero, there is currently no visibility into the outcome of the configuration before saving. Users must mentally calculate:
- How many invoices will be created
- The exact invoice dates
- The total value over time
This becomes especially difficult when working with:
- Custom repeat intervals (e.g. every X months)
- End dates vs no end dates
- Variable month lengths
- Long-running contracts
As a result, users often rely on guesswork or external calculations, increasing the risk of errors and requiring rework.
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Proposed Solution
Introduce a dynamic preview panel within the repeating invoice creation screen that updates in real time based on user inputs.
The preview should display:
- Total number of invoices to be generated
- Schedule timeline, including:
- Invoice dates
- Due dates
- Per-invoice amount
- Total contract value over the selected period
- Optional: ability to expand into a full list view of all scheduled invoices
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Example UX Inspiration
GoCardless provides a strong reference by allowing users to:
- Break payments into instalments
- See exact amounts and dates instantly
- Understand the full schedule before confirming
This removes ambiguity and builds confidence in the setup.
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Key Benefits
- Reduces errors in invoice scheduling
- Saves time by eliminating manual calculations
- Improves user confidence before saving recurring templates
- Enhances transparency for long-term or high-value contracts
- Aligns with user expectations set by modern billing tools
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Optional Enhancements
- Editable schedule (adjust individual dates before saving)
- Export/download schedule as CSV or PDF
- Visual timeline (calendar-style view)
- Warnings for edge cases (e.g. end date results in only 1 invoice)
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Use Case Example
“I set a repeating invoice for £500/month from April to December.
The preview immediately shows:
- 9 invoices
- Dates from Apr → Dec
- Total = £4,500 So I know it’s correct before saving.”
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