Every Friday, I answer your small business questions in a video blog segment called Ask SmallBizLady.
This week, we are taking on the question: How to handle invoicing as a start-up?
There are a few options you can use for invoicing
- Try paypal.com
- Use your accounting software QuickBooks Pro or Peachtree
- You can create a paper invoice
Do invoicing electronically! Do not create duplicate work for yourself or your accountant.
Like I suggest in my book Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, you need to have an accountant set up your accounting software the first time. He or she will show you how to handle invoicing electronically.
If you have a question for Melinda Emerson, Small Biz Lady, I’m always here as a resource. Leave a comment on this article, send a message using the contact us page, tweet me – @smallbizlady, on Facebook or you can hit me up on LinkedIn.
As an Micro and Small business accountant, I’m often assisting businesses with finding affordable, easy yet highly effective solutions to assisting them in managing their business. I agree with you, having an invoicing system that links directly with (or is already apart of) an accounting software is highly encouraged. I have found however that most of my clients aren’t quite ready for Quickbooks or prefer my firm manages Quickbooks for them. For these folks I’ve recommended programs such as:
ZohoInvoice
FreshBooks
Less Accounting
All of these products make it super easy to easy on the web and they integrate with Accounting programs (Less Accounting is an actual accounting program however). ZohoInvoice is honestly my top choice as with a little (easy) set-up the system can manage your accounts receivable process rather seamlessly. Example: You can set-up auto-responders to alert clients when invoices are overdue, delinquent, late fees assessed. You can also send “Thanks for the Payment” and set-up recurring billing among other really cool features. It’s great for a micro business as it features free options or a paid option that start as low as $8 a month (can’t beat that).
Hope you and your audience find this helpful!
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Katrina M. Harrell is CEO & Founder of Your Simple Bookkeeper and Founder of the Micro Business Resource Center. For more than 60+ Tips, Tools, Resources to help you create a BIG Business image for your Micro Business, email us at microresourses@yoursimplebookkeeper.com to receive our newsletter and mailing list to be the first to receive our “The Secret Micro Business Bootstrapping Survival Kitâ„¢” When published in March 2011.