Thread

I used Billings for a while, but it doesn’t have multi-user support—so if you have partners or employees it’s a no-go.

I tried Blinksale, but it lacks time tracking so I moved on.

I then switched to FreshBooks and used it for a year and a half, but recently quit them as I was frustrated by the clunky UI, slow development, and crappy invoice design. In my view, the FreshBooks development team isn’t particularly responsive—over the time I used the service, they seemed to focus on features that would sell the service to new customers rather than working to serve their existing customers.

I recently signed up with Cashboard, and I’m really impressed. The interface is modern and very usable, there are essential features but no bloat, and most importantly, the developers are very responsive and always working to improve the system. It has time tracking, estimating, and invoicing, & has a desktop widget timer. You can also integrate Cashboard with Basecamp.

Cashboard allows you to customize your invoice and estimate templates, which is essential for a design firm. The first time I created an estimate my client remarked on how professional it looked. You can choose to send invoices & estimates via snail mail (something FreshBooks still hasn’t gotten right), which is great for your old-school clients.

The cost is reasonable, as it’s based on how many active projects you have at once. There’s a free trial and a limited free level as well.

I’m not affiliated in any way with Cashboard, but as you might guess I’m a real fan!

I’ll throw a vote in for Freshbooks as well. I’ve been using them for over a year, and one thing I love is that they are always improving the product and releasing new features I find useful. It’s web based and in addition to invoicing, also does time tracking and expense reporting.

I use Billings2 and quite like it, but Freshbooks is a great app as well. Can’t go wrong with either one. iBiz seemed decent but I didn’t like the interface much.

I use Billings2 all the time. It’s a pretty good program for my needs.

I start using Invoy and i just love it. Very good interface and very usable.  http://www.emptyfactory.com

I start using Invoy from Empty Factory and i just love it. Very stable and a very well designed interface. Website http://www.emptyfactory.com

I’ve recently upgraded to Billings 3 and find it much improved. Jon Hicks has a good review of it here: http://hicksdesign.co.uk/journal/billings-3

Billings 3. Saved my life and made my job much easier.

Am I like the only one that uses Quick Books?

I will take a look at Invoy and Billings again, but I have been pretty happy with Freshbooks so far. No urgency to switch as FB is meeting my needs. I do like having internal apps though so as not to have my data elsewhere.

I just upgraded Billings and LOVE IT. The new interface is pretty 😉 Seriously though it works like a charm. I bought quickbooks and it is still in the box. If you want it pm me as I have no need for that sledgehammer when a simple hammer will do…

Billings is very good, quite thorough, if not a little complex. For basic billing/invoicing I’ve had good success with OfficeTime.

i downloaded Billings today on the recommendations here and have to say that it is very good. It is a little complex but it did not take long for me to get my head around how to set everything up. I did watch the suggested video and read the help PDF which were good. I think the top screen bar timer function is very good and will be using it on future projects.

You mean to tell me no one here uses MYOB like we (my Wife and I) do?

Actually it gets on my nerves but it does handle absolutely everything you would ever possibly need to do with your accounts. Just a shame that the interface totally stinks!! :down:

Best wishes,

Mark

I use MYOB’s Account edge. Works great and is very customizable. Their latest version interacts with Apples address book and mail app. Highly recommended.