Oct 09, 2019 The Best Billing and Invoicing Software for 2020. If you're a business owner, then you know how crucial it is to make sure your customers pay their bills.
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For so long, PC and Mac have dominated the field of computing and the battle between these never seems to end.
Unlike in the past where Mac was a reserve for the rich and those involved in really creative professions, the PC has level up to a quality that favourably competes with the Mac.
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Small business accounting software for Mac. With small business invoicing software for Mac, keeping on top of accounting tasks doesn’t have to be a headache. In this section, we will look at the best all-round accounting software, plus some excellent options for invoicing and bookkeeping. Best small business accounting software for Mac.
Send professional-looking invoices Accept online payments with ease Keep track of who's paid you Start sending invoices
Nowadays, having a small business calls for ownership of a powerful computer to make the tasks and processes faster, easier, less laborious and more effective.
Making a choice between Mac and PC still remains a challenge as each of them comes with different incredible features, as well as their own share of disadvantages.
Are you planning on investing in computers for your business? Which one between PC and Mac should you choose for your small business?
PC versus MAC
Affordability
PC’s are generally known to cost much less than the Mac computers. Even with similar features and specifications, it can be seen that PC’s will always be more affordable.
For instance, PCs cost $300 to $700 on average while a Mac with similar features will cost between $1500 and $3000 on average, which indicates a very huge price difference.
If your small business is looking for affordability, then PC’s are the perfect choice.
Wider variety
Unlike the Apple Mac computers that are manufactured in only six brands; the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, Mac mini, Mac Pro and iMac, PC’s are available in countless models from which you can choose from.
Each of these models and brands come with different features and depending on your unique needs, you can choose one that perfectly fits you.
PC’s are manufactured by different companies with frequent updates to the features, which allow you to own the latest software and hardware in the computing industry.
Availability of software
PC’s run mainly on Windows and Linux operating systems which are more or less open source.
Windows OS is really cheap as compared to the iOS operating system that runs the Mac computers as well as other Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
In addition to this, most Windows and Linux software for PC’s are easily accessible with some of them being free. Most of them can be easily downloaded from the internet and shared on different platforms. Motorola radio programming software for mac.
On the other hand, Mac computers have their software specifically designed for them and cannot be accessed easily as compared to PC software.
Ease of maintenance
Given the fact that the number of PC technicians is much higher than that of Mac technicians, it comes to say that maintenance of PC’s is much easier.
Even were repair and replacement of parts is concerned, it is much cheaper and more accessible when you own a PC as compared to when you own a Mac.
Software updates and installations are also much cheaper in PC’s than in Mac computers.
When investing in computers for your small business, it’s of great importance to consider the kind of maintenance requirements you are prepared for.
If your IT technician is an expert in PC systems and you don’t plan on hiring a Mac systems technician, then you will be better off with PC’s. You also need to consider that Mac technicians will cost more than PC technicians.
MAC versus PC
Security
Mac computers, their operating system and the software used are designed with the most powerful security provisions. These computers are not easily affected by viruses and malware.
On the other hand, PC’s are very susceptible to viruses and you will have to keep updating their antivirus, antimalware and firewall software frequently for safer and more secure use.
This may also be attributed to the huge number of PC users in the world as compared to the number of Mac users. Mac also has more secure features to reduce the probability of being hacked as compared to PC’s.
Ease of use
Apple usually designs their devices with user interfaces and body designs that are easy to use and very user-friendly. With their incredible keyboard designs, typing on a Mac computer is always a joy, even in the dark as the keypads are illuminated.
Mac’s user interface is easy to maneuver and its controls are so basic, easy to understand and easy to manipulate.
In fact, Mac’s real strength is manifested in its ease to connect to networks such as WiFi, internet and LAN, and these computers can easily connect even where PC’s cannot.
Display is also a great strength for the Mac especially with the invention of the Retina Display screens that reduce glare and provide a high resolution display that is safe and comfortable to the human eye.
Mac’s screen and display quality will be particularly important if your business is mainly involved in tasks and processes that require use of high resolution screens, such as graphic design, animation and gaming among others.
Build quality
There is nothing that beats Apple when it comes to the design of durable computers. Mac computers have always held top position when it comes to design, attention to detail, durability and user friendliness.
The quality of each of its parts, starting from its chassis, keyboard, screen and webcam among others is built with strength and durability in mind.
Given their hefty price tags, it is obvious that Apple has to ensure that their computers are a worthy investment, and that they are not built with flimsy and low quality materials such as weak plastic.
On the other hand, PC’s cost much less, which obviously means that the materials used to build them are not as expensive and high quality as those used in Mac computers.
Cloud storage and syncing
As much as Mac computers come with little internal storage in the form of SSD, their storage space is compensated by the provision of iCloud storage which enables storage of data over the internet.
Screen annotation software for mac. This is even better because it allows easier and more effective synching of all iOS and Mac devices over the internet. As much as PC’s have also embraced cloud storage provisions such as Dropbox and Google Drive, the quality and ease of use can never beat that of the iCloud.
Connectivity to peripherals has also been made easier, with faster transfer speeds, thanks to the Thunderbolt feature in Mac.
Conclusion
Mac and PC have grown a great deal over the decades and with the improvement of features and design, it has come to a point where they are at par in terms of competition.
As a matter of fact, the choice between PC and Mac is currently based on personal preferences. The learning curve to using any of these two computers should also be considered before investing in one.
It is advisable to choose a computer that you can use with ease as the transition from PC to Mac or vice versa will definitely take some duration.
Backup and transfer of data should also be considered as transferring it from PC to Mac or from Mac to PC is more challenging as compared to transferring from PC to PC or from Mac to Mac.
For any small business owner who wants to invest in computers for their business, the above factors should always be considered before finally choosing to purchase a Mac or a PC.
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Invoicing software is what make your small business run. They move payment forward, allowing you to focus on actual work for your customers.
Consider your options for small business invoice software below.
Small Business Invoicing — Compare Your Options
Invoice Generators
Cloud Invoicing Software
Business Accounting Software
Price
$0-$10/mo.
$10-$25/mo.
$15-$50/mo.
Pros
Free
Simple setup
Established templates
Easy setup
Billing & accounting
Add-on features
Full business accounting & reporting
Expense tracking
Integration with existing systems
Cons
Limited uses
Specific to invoices
Free trial limits
Monthly cost
Complicated export
No flexible templates
Over complicated for small teams
Higher price tag, hidden fees and costs
Can slow you down
Popular Option
Invoice Simple
FreshBooks
Wave Apps
Not all invoices are created equal.
They can either look professional or dodgy. They can either be simple or time consuming. It all depends on how you create your small business invoices.
That’s where invoicing software for small businesses comes in.
Invoice software will save you time and money in running your business. And the right invoice template will up your invoicing game to the professional level.
Keep reading for:
What the different types of small business invoicing look like,
How to create invoices for your small business using software or templates, and
Why professional invoices are important for small businesses.
3 Types of Invoicing Software for Small Business
Small businesses have more options than ever for creating professional invoices for their clients and customers.
If you’re looking to give your operation a fresh look on the financial front, consider these three types of invoice software.
Invoice Generators
An invoice generator will work well when you need a simple, quick solution to your billing needs. Invoice Simple’s invoice generator allows you to enter custom information into every relevant field — including a logo. With that info, the software generates a customized invoice on demand.
Cloud Invoicing Software
There are a handful of good cloud-based invoicing tools that make billing straightforward for small businesses, consultants and freelancers. These apps typically include the ability to track clients and send invoices directly. For small businesses with retail locations (or needing physical invoices), these options may be overly complicated.
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Business Accounting Software
Quickbooks, Wave Accounting… you know the big names. These tools are typically more robust, including accounting integration, reporting, and expense tracking. Small businesses can either run them on the cloud as a subscription or buy the desktop version. They may be overkill for small businesses simply looking for an invoicing solution.
You can also avoid using small business invoicing software completely by using an invoice template.
Why Use Invoicing Software?
Make invoices look more professional
You can create invoices for your small business from scratch. But you risk wasting time and you will most likely be left with a subpar invoice. Using an invoice generator or online invoicing tool means you’ll have a business-level invoice in a matter of minutes.
Accept online payments
You could send a standalone invoice that you whipped up in Word, but then payment is limited to a physical check, Paypal deposit or other outdated methods. New clients may not want to set up direct deposit, so you’re left with limited options.
With the right small business invoice software, you can accept online payments with an integration with Stripe. Clients will enjoy the ease of payment through credit card or debit card, and you’ll enjoy faster payments.
Track responses and payments
Instead of manually tracking invoices and payments by email or spreadsheet, invoice software allows you to automatically track your invoice’ status. It will save you a headache when it comes time to track down an unpaid invoice.
Save templates for later
Free easy to use 3d modeling software for mac. With invoice software, you don’t have to start from scratch every time you want to send an invoice. You can save templates and client info for later, saving you hours of repetitive work in the long run.
Generate invoices on the fly
Small business owners and operators are busy. There’s a lot to do, and invoice software allows you to do it no matter where you are. Good invoice apps will let you seamlessly create and send invoices on mobile and online, giving you the freedom you need.
What You Need to Consider for Small Business Invoice Software
With all of the invoice software available these days, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. These are a handful of considerations as you decide on invoicing software for your small business:
Time: Will the tool actually save you time, or will it be difficult to set up with your other accounting processes?
Cost: How much does the tool cost? If it saves you six hours each month, how much are you paying per hour saved?
Look: Does the tool offer many different template options? Does it give your invoices a professional, branded look?
Payment Options: Does the tool allow flexible payment options (i.e. credit card payments)?
Who Can Use Invoicing Software?
Best Small Business Invoice Software
Small businesses come in all shapes and sizes — but all of them need to use invoices to keep their business running.
These are just a few areas where invoice software can be beneficial for small businesses:
Construction: Outline work completed and time put in, materials used, government approval processes and more.
Freelance: Instead of resorting to Paypal or awkward emails, freelancers can use invoices to reflect the value of the work they have provided. This goes for graphic design, photography, writing and more.
Contractors: General contractors typically make their living with smaller, one-off projects. With invoice software, it’s easier to track work completed, who has paid and who still owes.
Rentals: Late payments are frustrating for any landlord. If you run a small rental or real estate business, use invoices for payment reminders and tenant tracking.
Consulting: Even if you are on a fixed hourly or retainer agreement, an invoice for consultants will help clients track which services they are paying for and help consultants stay on top of getting paid.
You can also use the invoice templates on the pages above to make a start sending professional-looking invoices and getting paid faster.
How to Create Invoices for Your Small Business
Near the top of this page, we cover your basic options for invoicing software: an invoice generator, a cloud-based invoice tool and full-fledged business accounting software. You also have a fourth option (though we don’t recommend it): creating an invoice from scratch.
But the method for creating a business invoice matters less than how the invoice looks when you send it.
No matter which method you run with, there is a right and a wrong way to create a winning invoice. Whether you use accounting software or an invoice template, keep these tips for creating small business invoices in mind:
Personalize your invoices. Bring a professional edge to your small business invoice with your logo, in addition to your business info.
Invoice on a regular cycle. For your own sanity and for a better response from customers, create a regular cycle for invoices. It could be every 15 days, at the end of the month or as soon as you finish a project for your client.
Stick with the same delivery method. Start by asking your customers how they prefer to receive their invoice. Then stick with that delivery method so your invoices don’t get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day operations.
Include all relevant info. Keeping your invoices complete and detailed will help you avoid late and unpaid invoices. Itemize your work, include your full business information, and double check your dates and numbers.
Invoicing Software for Small Business: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an invoice for small businesses?
Invoices itemize the transaction and include payment amounts and terms. Invoices are a written agreement verifying the exchange between the buyer and seller, which establishes an obligation to pay on the part of the buyer. Invoices are often referred to as “sales invoices”, “bills”, or “statements”.Traditionally, invoices were paper documents, but now are commonly sent electronically.
See more on our page:what is an invoice?
Why should I look into invoicing software for small business?
An invoice tool — whether an invoice generator, template or online software — will save you time and money. It saves you time by allowing you to focus on only the most important elements of the invoice, instead of fiddling with a PDF or Word document. And it saves you money by making billing more effective, reducing the need to track down reticent clients and unpaid invoices.
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What is the difference between accounting and invoicing software?
Accounting software typically includes a host of business-related features. These include tax documents, profit and loss statements, expense reporting and more. Invoicing software focuses in on the billing process for small businesses, offering a simplified solution for limited operations.
Are small business invoicing tools expensive?
They can be, but they don’t have to be. Simple tools designed to send professional invoices can run around $5 per month. More advanced, desktop accounting software can run closer to $300 per year.
Which invoice software is best for small business?
Invoice Program For Mac
It really depends. If you have your accounting straightened out and just need a simple way to create and send invoices, a template or generator will do the trick. But if you have more complicated accounting and billing needs, it may be worth looking into a more advanced software subscription.
What are essential features for invoicing software for small businesses?
Any invoice software you use for your small business should:
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Make creating invoices fast and easy.
Include options for adding payment instructions, shipping details, discounts, etc.
Let you add your logo and keep your brand.
Feature notifications to keep payment tracking straightforward.
Save invoices and templates so you can use them later.