WorkHappy.net: killer resources for entrepreneurs

Simplybill

July 11, 2006 in 3 out of 5 stars, Hosted software, Invoicing

What is it?

Simplybill: An online invoicing tool/service

Who makes it?

Simplybill

Why is it the killerest?

Very simple to use, plus inexpensive (starting at free). It allows you to email invoices, or print them for snail mailing. Has a time tracking desktop widget (paying accounts only) that synchs with Simplybill (PC only right now, a Mac one coming in the next few days). Sends reminders and thank yous. It alerts you when invoices are overdue. Supports recurring invoices.

What could be improved?

An API might be nice.

How much does it cost?

From Free to $25 a month

Rating?

Reviewed by Carson McComas

Freshbooks

June 14, 2006 in 5 out of 5 stars, Hosted software, Invoicing

What is it?

Freshbooks: Billing/Invoicing/Timetracking service/software.

Who makes it?

The good folks at 2ndSite Inc.

Why is it the killerest?

Freshbooks has a clean, quick interface and all the features needed for a small business/freelancer without the bloat of many accounting packages.  It is like having a billing department watching your back, invoicing your clients via email who can then view and pay online.  The tool hooks up with major payment gateways for credit card payment.  The tool also allows you to brand (colors/logos) the payment site your customers will use so customers have a seamless experience when logging in from your site. Coming soon is the ability to send invoices via snail mail right from the interface for a small fee. No more printer jams and paper cuts. Excellent.

What could be improved?

I have been using the tool for about 4 months now and have yet to find a gotcha or missing feature.  Would love to hear others impressions.

How much does it cost?

Free for 3 clients -- up to $39/mo for 1000.

Rating?

Reviewed by Gregg Turnbull

BillingOrchard

November 9, 2005 in 4 out of 5 stars, Hosted software, Invoicing

What is it?

BillingOrchard: Online billing and invoicing software. Very simple and clean interface allows you to setup all your clients, send pdf or html invoices, and give your clients a "billing center" where they can login and view all their invoices, time, etc.

Who makes it?

Craig Rowe

Why is it the killerest?

It has time tracking, payment integration with paypal and authorize.net. It even has automated recurring billing. The system also has some great add ons like a support ticketing system and a knowledge base. This online application is great for freelancers or small boutique design studios. Its a great tool to use in tandem with basecamp.

What could be improved?

There is a project management module that could be made more robust. All in all the system is solid, easy to use, and gives your business a nice professional polish.

How much does it cost?

Starting $14.95 per month

Rating?

Reviewed by Gianni D'Alerta

Blinksale

July 25, 2005 in 5 out of 5 stars, A service, Hosted software, Invoicing, Productivity

What is it?

Blinksale: Blinksale is an online invoice creation and management tool.

Who makes it?

Firewheel Design

Why is it the killerest?

Blinksale makes creating, sending and tracking invoices very simple.  Going through the process of creating an account, setting up clients and sending the invoice takes just a few minutes.  Blinksale isn't overloaded with a bunch of useless, confusing features. As a designer, I appreciate flexibility to customize invoices to my liking.  For non-designers, Blinksale offers a nice array of standard invoice templates. The best thing about Blinksale is that it allows business owners to do one very important thing - get paid.  These invoices will not only make it easy for you, it will also help your client.  Blinksale invoices have a very professional look, but are also very easy to read and understand. When Blinksale becomes available to the public, it will be a must-have tool for business owners.

What could be improved?

Blinksale is in beta testing right now, so I'm sure some of these kinks will be worked out.  But one feature I was looking for is the ability to preview invoices which I have custom designed using CSS.  I have been told by the fine folks at Firewheel that this is something their looking to change, however. Other than that, its killer!

How much does it cost?

$6 / month for base plan

Rating?

Reviewed by Chuck Mallott