Getting Paid: Online Invoicing Applications

August 26, 2010

Face it, we all know that invoicing is essential to any business (we all want to get paid), but it's something we almost all dread.

As a small business or freelancer, we've all played around with Excel Spreadsheets and Word templates, or less than user-friendly accounting packages to manage the issue of getting paid. But there is a better way with modern, cloud-based apps. Not only do they allow you to easily access your info from almost anywhere (some even have mobile apps), but the burden of data managed is partially alleviated. Computer crashed and backups not up-to-date? No worries, your invoicing info will be intact.

Where some apps stick to invoicing only, others have grown to include time management, expense tracking and even employee management. Whatever level of performance you are looking for, the examples below may show you that invoicing can actually be an enjoyable experience.

Blinksale

Online since 2005, Blinksale allows you to send elegantly formatted invoices and estimates with the option to customize invoices with your own CSS. You can also import clients from Basecamp.

Highlights

Recurring Invoices
Estimates
Customizable Invoices via CSS
Import your clients from Basecamp
Priced from $6 to $24US per month
30 day free trial but no limited free account.

Cashboard

Highlights

Recurring Invoices
Estimates
Time Tracking
Customizable appearance
Basecamp Integration
iPhone App
Priced from $10 per month with small charge per user and client.
Limited free account available (1 user, 1 client, 2 projects)

FreshBooks

Online since 2004, FreshBooks is a well established player in the field. With numerous features, it presents a well balanced and capable option to explore.

Highlights

Recurring Invoices
Estimates
Time Tracking
Expenses
Basecamp integration
Send branded snail mail invoices
iPhone app
Priced from $19.95 to $79.95US per month
Limited free account available (3 clients, unlimited invoices)

Harvest

Highlights

Recurring Invoices
Estimates
Time Tracking
Expenses
Retainer Management
Project Budgets
Basecamp Integration
iPhone app
Priced from $12 to $90 per month.
Limited free account available (2 projects, 4 clients, 1 user)

Simply Invoices

Its name says it all. Unlike some of the options posted above, Simply Invoices is just that, invoices. It allows you to easily generate invoices from the time you have logged in a Basecamp project.

Highlights

Basecamp integration
Priced from $9 to $25US per month
Limited free account available (5 templates/clients, unlimited invoices)

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Getting Paid: Online Invoicing Applications