I need to create some business invoices

[katz]

90% of my work is residential. I pick up/drop off and I am able to create most invoices beforehand in my shop outlining all of the work performed.

However, I now have a few business clients in the works, and I need something, preferably free to create pro looking invoices to be filled out on-site.

I have a laser printer that will do a high quality print job, I just need customizable templates, a pgm. to design them, online invoice generator, etc.

Give me some suggestions, guys!

 

[acscva]

I would recommend buying the Technibble Computer Business Kit. A ton of great forms already done for you in word format.

http://www.technibble.com/products/computer-business-kit/

I bought it an now use it instead of what I was using before.

I am also using Goformz to do it via paperless on my iPhone or iPad and capture the signature electronically via them. Been working great and is free for a 1 form solution.

 

[seedubya]

Wave Accounting - free online basic accounting software

www.waveapps.com

 

[Disposable_Me]

http://billable.me/

is what I use when I'm on the road

 

[carrcomp]

I use mhelpdesk for invoices.

Quickbooks is good too.

 

[DocGreen]

+1 for Quickbooks

I have it installed on a server in my home office and setup so that I can connect to it from a jobsite, create my invoice, and print it to the client's printer. It helps if the client has a wireless connection so that I can just use my own netbook to do the work... if not I just use a mobile connection, save the invoice to my flash drive as a pdf, and print it from there.

I also have my invoices template setup so that I can print out a ream of blanks in full color, and then put those into a printer and have it print only the invoice data... this way my invoices always look the same, always with my logo in color. So far it's worked pretty well for me.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

I use QBooks too but in my opinion if you are doing a lot of pickup and drop off and mobile it is much easier to use these:

https://www.nebs.com/nebsEcat/Valid...005VT&path=products/product_detail.jsp&pc=311

you will notice that you get a tear off receipt to leave with the client when you take their laptop or workstation which is very professional IMO. You get all the contact information on the form which later can be added to QB's or other CRM programs for managing customer lists.

It is extremely fast and easy to use. If you like signatures you can fill out what the customer wants and even get their signature or initials on the ticket.

We take the yellow copy and tape it to the machine so that the tech can add notes to it (like a work order) and then give it to the receptionist when its done and she enters it into QB's or fills out the first page of this ticket in a neat handwriting.

we also order the following which we stick on every pc/laptop we work on.

http://www.nebs.com/nebsEcat/products/product_detail.jsp?pc=346

 

[ComputerPro]

You welcome to copy our custom paper forms that we posted in the forums if you need a paper solution. If its just for invoicing then its really hard to beat Freshbooks honestly. Its web based so you can enter stuff right at the client site if need be, or in the car on your smartphone after the service call. For pure invoicing I don't think there is much out there that beats Freshbooks. Quickbooks is essential for your complete accounting solution but Freshbooks invoicing is so good that we use it for invoicing and Quickbooks for the back end.

 

[katz]

Thanks to all, I appreciate all the suggestions. I've been looking for an accounting solution as well, so I will most likely go with QB. Also trying to do this inexpensively, and some of those pre-ordered forms are quite costly.

And you mentioned Freshbooks. For some reason, I just do not like the whole concept of web based accounting/tracking/etc. I know everyone does it, but I've never been a fan of that.

To each his own, I guess.

 

[acscva]

I can get you up to 20% off your Quickbooks by using my referral link.

http://quickbooks.intuit.com/produc...iorityCode=3969702399&?img=403&kbid=1491&sub=

Or if you are interested in the Quickbooks online version which I have been using.

http://quickbooksonline.intuit.com/...iorityCode=3969702399&?img=424&kbid=1491&sub=

I have used the online version for over 5 years and love it! I can even use it from my iPhone or iPad.

 

[ck1402]

+1 for Quickbooks as well. I use Quickbooks online picked it up for a year membership $70 at Walmart of all places. I love it i can use my phone to create invoices or do it my laptop with the option of printing or sending to email. Makes it very easy to keep track of customers.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

Thanks to all, I appreciate all the suggestions. I've been looking for an accounting solution as well, so I will most likely go with QB. Also trying to do this inexpensively, and some of those pre-ordered forms are quite costly.

And you mentioned Freshbooks. For some reason, I just do not like the whole concept of web based accounting/tracking/etc. I know everyone does it, but I've never been a fan of that.

To each his own, I guess.

I consulted two kids who could'nt get a job after graduating IT school. Their number 2 problem was that when they needed to take equipment from the owners home/office they wouldn't want them to. One kid was 18 and black and the other kid was Cuban about 19.

So I pointed it out to them so a black kid and a cuban kid showed up on my door and wants to take my laptop? Sounds like the beginning of a joke.

So I consulted and they followed my advice: In any new start up company but especially one working a small mobile service it is critical that you look like you are really in business and can do the job. People do not know how to determine if you are any good or not so they make decisions based on how they feel about a new contact. You can increase your odds of getting the business by investing in the accouterments of credibility.

1. Logo'ed polo shirt (uniform).
2. clean slacks and brown/black lofers (business causal is better than sneakers).
3. business card with name/address/phone/website/email
4. logo on the van/car.
5. pre-printed professional looking receipt With your name and logo on it to give customer when you take their equipment offsite.
6. pre-printed professional looking work order, invoice, service order also with name and logo printed on it.

What does this investment cost:

1. logoed shirt about $27-35.
2. $100
3. $100 do them right heavy card stock, rounded corners, color two sides
4. $150-290
5. $127 for the first 5 months (250).
6. included in 5.

 

[katz]

Hi Tony,

Thanks so much for that post. It doesn't apply to me per se, but I'm sure others on here can get some guidance from that. I'm a 46 yr. old guy w/ a good track record & rep in my area, professional appearance, etc..

Image is top notch, no doubt, I'm just not wanting to break the bank while attempting to look sharp. Servicing a small town of approx. 10k pop., it doesn't take long for word to travel around.

 

[1aComputerServices]

Rounded Business Cards? Not going to find that from Vistaprint folks...

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

Rounded Business Cards? Not going to find that from Vistaprint folks...

I think we use greatfx.com.....it ads like $5 or $15...we also get the heavy stock with a shiny surface it almost feels like a plastic card....it has a very high quality feel to it.

I read a study that said people are less likely to throw away your business card if it is obvious you spend $$$ on it. I think is spend upwards of $130 per 1000 but it take me for ever to give them out.