- Your budget and how much you want to spend. Be sure to leave room for tech support expenses.
- The number of customers you have
- The number of sales orders you process
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Customer records are a must
In addition to generating and automating bills, your billing service should track information on your customers. The service should have basic information, such as names, addresses, phone/fax numbers and email.I recommend: CSG Systems offers customized, comprehensive billing solutions. CTP Solutions has an array of electronic billing options, including electronic archiving of information.
Search capability
What good is a billing service if you can't quickly locate your invoices and other information? Choosing software or a provider with a search option will make your life much simpler - and less time-consuming.I recommend: Billtrust has a bill archival and retrieval system to easily locate information. Billing Tracker software contains a search feature and much more if you only require a downloadable, self-serve program.
Accurate reporting
Check that the reporting component for your billing service can calculate information on sales based on date, salesperson and customer type. Remember, however, the information must be there to do those calculations. Make sure it is being recorded by your billing service or software of choice.I recommend: Contact NetSuite for a free trial of its billing software. This program keeps detailed job records and related information.
Online access
Online access to statements and associated documents gives customers instant access to accounts with your service provider 24 hours a day. This leads to fewer customer-related calls, questions and headaches for business owners. Online billing also can cut paper costs.I recommend: Try API Outsourcing or Convergys, which offer online access and custom billing. PayPal is another option.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Use a program that has a built-in backup component to save data in case of hardware failure.
- Look for software packages that include a follow-up diary as an added bonus. This feature allows you to keep track of tasks and assign them to other staff members.
- Find a billing service that customizes. Some industries have more specific billing needs.
Billing and Invoicing Software Directory
Compare billing software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com
Compare billing software using Capterra's free, comprehensive directory.
Capterra.com
Free Intuit QuickBooks Simple Start 2009
QuickBooks Simple Start Free Edition is a Free and fully featured bookkeeping software solution.
ibx.intel.com
QuickBooks Simple Start Free Edition is a Free and fully featured bookkeeping software solution.
ibx.intel.com
Accounts Receivable Management
Online database that compares accounting/business management software. Conduct software searches based on industry, operating system or application.
www.findaccountingsoftware.com
Online database that compares accounting/business management software. Conduct software searches based on industry, operating system or application.
www.findaccountingsoftware.com
Billing Software Systems
Get the perfect billing software for your business. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and providers in your local area now.
JustClickLocal.com
Get the perfect billing software for your business. Search listings and reviews of retailers, specialists and providers in your local area now.
JustClickLocal.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
