What is self-billing?
A Self-Billing Agreement is a mutual agreement between a supplier and a customer in which the supplier creates invoices on behalf of the customer for the goods or services the supplier provides. This differs from the current method, whereby the customer issues their own invoice. In this document, Blink will be referred to as the ‘Supplier’ or the ‘Transaction Processor’.
Why a Self-Billing arrangement?
Blink Charging utilises self-billing for all collections and reimbursement services to ensure administrative simplification, greater accuracy, and timely payments.
What does Self-Billing mean for you?
You will receive an invoice that Blink generates on your behalf each month. This invoice is the basis for reimbursing you for the billable charging sessions from the previous month. You may process this invoice in your accounting system as a self-bill or a customer invoice, but you should not issue an invoice to Bink for payment. As soon as you receive the self-bill, the 30-day payment term begins. Once Blink has paid, you can mark the invoice as paid.
Can customers opt out of the self-billing agreement?
Blink Charging’s collections and reimbursement service operates exclusively through self-billing. This ensures administrative simplification, greater accuracy, and timely payments for the customer.
What happens if a customer issues an invoice despite the self-billing agreement?
As Blink generates invoices, customer-issued ones won’t be processed. If this happens, we’ll gently remind the customer about our process.
How are disputes over self-billed invoices resolved?
We’re always here to help! If you have an issue, just contact us at:
• Belgium: support.be@blinkcharging.com
• France: support.nm@blinkcharging.com
• Germany: support.nm@blinkcharging.com
• Ireland: support.ie@blinkcharging.com
• The Netherlands: support.nl@blinkcharging.com
• UK: support.uk@blinkcharging.com
What are the benefits of self-billing for the customer?
There are several important requirements for a self-billing agreement.
• Customers do not issue their own invoices during the term of the agreement.
• Acceptance that the Supplier will provide an invoice on behalf of them.
• Providing accurate tax and company details to ensure proper billing.
What are the requirements for a customer to enter into a self-billing agreement?
The customer does not need to create invoices to receive their reimbursement, passing the administrative burden onto the payment processor.
Who is responsible for invoice creation?
Under the self-billing agreement, the supplier (Blink) is responsible for creating and issuing invoices to the customer based on the goods or services received.
How does Blink ensure invoice accuracy?
We use a detailed process with automated checks to ensure invoices are spot-on. We encourage customers to check the invoices regularly and let us know if anything is incorrect. Customers can find the details of each invoice in the Blink Host Portal in the ‘Reports’ section under the ‘Host Revenue’ tab.If you need support accessing your invoices in the Blink Host Portal, please contact your Account Manager or email support at:
• Belgium: support.be@blinkcharging.com
• France: support.nm@blinkcharging.com
• Germany: support.nm@blinkcharging.com
• Ireland: support.ie@blinkcharging.com
• The Netherlands: support.nl@blinkcharging.com
• UK: support.uk@blinkcharging.com
What happens if the supplier’s tax details change?
It’s important to ensure your tax and company details are kept up to date. To notify Blink of any changes to your tax or company details, please email the addresses mentioned above.
Is there an audit trail for self-billing invoices?
Yes, invoices are stored and shared with customers. Blink keeps internal records for verification purposes.
Are self-billed invoices compliant with international VAT laws?
Yes, self-billed invoices are compliant in the regions in which we operate. Changes to tax legislation are not within our control but we keep informed of changes to legislation which may impact our selfbilling agreements.
Why does the customer need to sign a separate agreement?
The collection and reimbursement of charging sessions is carried out by Blink Network BV, a sister company of the local Blink entity. Blink Network BV is incorporated in the Netherlands.
Under EU VAT legislation, electricity is classified as a tangible good. The VAT framework governing the supply of electricity was established in 2005, before the emergence of EV charging infrastructure. However, it is generally assumed these regulations apply to EV charging and that parties engaging in the payment flow (collections and reimbursements) are effectively participating in the buying and selling of electricity.
Since the existing contract is between the customer and the local Blink entity (the supplier), an additional agreement is necessary to formalize the relationship between all three parties: the customer, the local Blink entity (the Supplier), and Blink Network BV (the transaction processor).
You can find the standard agreement at the bottom of this document.
If you would like more information about this, our finance department is ready to answer any questions you may have.
How will I be able to sign this agreement?
You will receive an email invitation to sign the Collections and Reimbursement Agreement via DocuSign. You can easily sign it online, and Blink will take care of the rest. Once we receive the signed agreement, we will commence planning of your transition to the Blink Network and will notify you of this closer to the time.
What happens if there is an error in the self-billed invoice?
If a self-billed invoice contains an error, the supplier or customer will notify the supplier or customer immediately. The supplier will issue a corrected invoice and adjust any payment discrepancies.
Can customers request early payments?
Payment terms should remain consistent with the agreed contract. The self-billing process does not inherently change the payment terms but should expedite the process by reducing invoice-related delays.
How does self-billing impact accounting for customers?
If your accounting system supports self-billing, you can simply book the invoice. If not, just create an invoice entry using our Blink reference.
How are VAT and other taxes handled in a self-billing agreement?
The supplier will calculate and apply VAT (or any applicable taxes) based on the information provided by the customer regarding goods or services rendered. The VAT invoice will be generated in compliance with the local tax regulations. The customer should ensure the VAT numbers and tax details are accurate on their records.
How are self-billing invoices delivered to customers?
We keep it simple by sending invoices directly to your email.
How often will invoices be generated under self-billing?
Invoices are generated at monthly intervals by email.
How can I change the email address where Blink sends the self-billing invoice?
We use your email address registered in our system. If you need the self-billing invoices to be sent to a different address, please contact your Account Manager or email support at:
• Belgium: support.be@blinkcharging.com
• France: support.nm@blinkcharging.com
• Germany: support.nm@blinkcharging.com
• Ireland: support.ie@blinkcharging.com
• The Netherlands: support.nl@blinkcharging.com
• UK: support.uk@blinkcharging.com
Can customers integrate self-billed invoices into their accounting software?
Not yet. We don’t currently offer API or system integration for self-billing.
How does Blink ensure customers acknowledge their invoices?
If we don’t hear back from you, we’ll assume everything is correct and accept the invoice per our agreement.
What happens if Blink makes an overpayment?
If this happens, our finance team will request a refund or adjust it against your next invoice.