How are you guys invoicing? Computer/carbon copy?

[m4gician]

Hey guys,

I always invoice via computer to laser printer. I don't have any hard copies which I can write in (i.e. carbon copies). So I've used a GREAT free invoicing program called Volutive. It's free and VERY customizable.

It keeps records, as well as allows a lot of customization. I've tried using Quickbooks Easy Start, but I don't think I have enough to fork over for the Pro version. I can't actually "download" a Canadian version of the software so that's a no no.

Do you guys use preprinted carbon copy forms or computer invoicing? I feel the latter is more professional in one sense, but is impractical during hot summer days or being mobile.

Here's a picture of my invoice sample, anything I'm missing at all? Before you start complaining about my prices, I actually processed this as a repair to my OWN car as his daughter hit me in a parking lot. Rather than go to a body shop, I would try and take this fender scrub on my own.

[Jakerooni]

mmm good set up there. I personally use quickbooks pro myself. Although after meeting again with my accountant yesterday she informed me that if I don't truely understand double entry accounting that quickbooks really isn't the program I should be using. This could be a good option for me.

[brwill2005]

I bought some small carbon invoices from NEBS, with my business name and address printed on them. Being mobile, I need to be able to hand write the invoice after the service is complete.

[Showroom Shine]

I'm also mobile too. So I went to Staples and bought a stamp with my business name and other info. Then bought receipt pads from Sams. I always have a copy with name , price address, etc. It's been good for mailings and future business.

[mshu7]

Like others, I am mobile so I have to hand-write invoices. I purchased 3-copy carbonless forms from a local print shop. Once copy goes with the customer, one copy goes in my accounting files, and the last copy goes in the customer's file.

[Jakerooni]

Anyone mobile. (because this relates directly to my going mobile thread) use a laptop and a wireless printer? This was my first intention. I already have a few laptops kicking around here. Just need to pick up the printer which shouldn't be but a couple hundred bucks at most I would think. That way you can sync up your data to your PC when you get home or whatever. Plausable?

[Scottwax]

Originally Posted by mshu7

Like others, I am mobile so I have to hand-write invoices. I purchased 3-copy carbonless forms from a local print shop. Once copy goes with the customer, one copy goes in my accounting files, and the last copy goes in the customer's file.

Same here. Most customers tell me they don't need an invoice (everything is pay when work is done anyway) but a few want them every time. I like invoices because I can put all the information about the detail on the invoice so I don't forget.

[tod071]

I use Quickbooks Pro for Mac for my non-cash customers. I use my Blackberry as my CRM for cash customers.

[Twista616]

I'm not mobile, but I have a laptop and a wireless printer that I use for selling real estate...works like a charm, No hand writing sloppyness...its all nice neat and professional. Low volume wireless printers are pretty cheap these days, and buy a used junk laptop for like 150-200 and load a program that has your invoices...and print away!

Some people like hand writing, i personally dont, I want to look and act as professional as possible, and with some of my clientel, they definatly respect that!! I figure, we spend all this money and top notch polishes, and microfibers, we can atleast portray we know what were doing! I mean a customer has no idea how much we spend or what kind of products we use, but if the job is great, follow it with a great looking invoice!!

Just my recommendation for everyone...

[brwill2005]

The point is, use what ever works best for you. In my situation, I do not want to carry around a laptop and a printer. My invoices are hand written and look professional.

[m4gician]

Originally Posted by brwill2005

The point is, use what ever works best for you. In my situation, I do not want to carry around a laptop and a printer. My invoices are hand written and look professional.

Hey thanks for the advice, actually you said you had a personalized Carbon Copy Invoice system?

I actually was thinking of the same thing, do you have a sample? I want to be able to have the invoice I just produced with my quickbooks-esque program as a 3 ply carbon copy. Any idea what that goes for?

[mshu7]

Here's my invoice sheet, as it was sent to the printer. I've taken off my contact info which was listed down the left side of the invoice. Also, when the invoices were printed they put invoice numbers in the invoice box at the top in red print.