The fact is trying to select the very best billing or invoice software for meeting the different needs of the business is not an easy task. Several products are readily available in the market today, with each of them having its own set of costs, capabilities and features. Trying to evaluate each and every product can be time consuming and tedious. But with some research and understanding, it is very much possible to identify the right one for the business.
Some aspects to consider
In order to select the best offline invoice software, it will be useful to take into consideration several aspects.
- Cost: It is a fabulous place to start the search. Prior to making any evaluation of a product, it will be wise to check its price. There are some software products that can be availed for free, while the others may come with a small charge that can be monthly or annually. In case, the service or product cost is found to be beyond the set budget, then it will only add up to the cost and become a burden for the business.
- Sales tax: In case, there is a need to bill and to gather some kind of VAT, GST, Sales Tax, etc. then it will be wise to check if the product can handle easily similar aspects and also meet the specific needs of the local tax authority. Also, the invoice layout needs to comply with the local tax authority requirements. The product needs to process relevant tax reports which are required to assist in preparing the tax returns to the concerned tax authority. When making general summary value submission in the returns, the professional invoice software is to offer a complete detailed or breakdown report.
- Documents: Apart from invoices, it is essential to find out if any other documents will be required. For instance, there could be a need to prepare Estimates or quotes. Being in a position to convert quotes to invoice can prove to be time saving. in case, it is a trading company, then there will be required other business documents such as delivery orders, credit notes, vendor purchase orders and packing list, etc. These documents need to be customized to meet the taste and needs. Also, the business logo should be added and color and look customized to provide that company stationery look, if required.
- Data: It is essential to check out if the product allows entering of crucial information that will be necessary for the business. Check vendors, customers, documents, invoice and contacts, are al vital fields been catered for? In case of trading company, then inventory module will also be required. One has to check if he is able to have data imported from external sources, so as to save precious time which otherwise needs to be keyed in manually. Also, it needs to be checked if vendors, inventory and customers can be exported to open file format if such a need arises.
Checking out the above aspects will help to make the right selection of the billing software.