There’s a number of lightweight online invoicing services available, but one Toronto’s FreshBooks is seeking to differentiate itself with some interesting integration with other services.
FreshBooks, formed in 2004 and formerly called 2ndSite, today began allowing users to automatically send invoices to customers by US Postal Mail. Customers who have said they prefer not to use online billing will receive their invoices by first class mail with a window envelope inside for easy payment. The service has in introductory price of $1.09 per US invoice with bulk discounts. Customers receiving invoices by snail mail will be encouraged to go online for dispute resolution and to switch to online billing. BillMyClients is another online service that offers a postal mail delivery, but currently charges a higher per piece rate.
FreshBooks has also released an API for integration with other software and web services. Using the API, new client relationships and invoices can be created inside FreshBooks directly through other sites. Unfortunately the current API doesn’t allow for recurring billing to be set up, but FreshBooks says that’s on its way in the next API release. Competitor Blinksale (our coverage) is also working on releasing an API soon.
Finally, FreshBooks will soon offer integration with PipelineDeals, a pay-as-you go Salesforce competitor.
FreshBooks doesn’t compete with Blinksale by price, but integrating with other services including the good old physical world may be the new area of competition for this and other sectors of small business online.
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Historically, integrating timeless practices into modern technologies has always been successful. The painless motto has always attracted customers. Hopefully this will be less pain than existing applications.
do these support multiple currencies? webtax.it — which covers the same segment in italy — does, along with invoice mailing or faxing . and no per invoice pricing, although its a different market.
I thought I’d mention that you can send a free sample invoice to yourself via the new ground mail service when you create a free trial account, so feel free to invoice yourself on our nickle.
And Alessandro - we do handle multiple currencies…every currency out there as far as I know, and we will add any we’re missing upon request.
Business that apply tech in a KISS fashion are spot on. Email them an invoice to mail would be even better (if they don’t already have it.
Another great Toronto based web company. Hopefully some of the TC crowd will be able to make it to the BarCamp in Toronto on Saturday and the BarCampBBQ on Sunday!
to Mike McDerment: congrats on the new release, these new features are really cool, especially API. This is something we are considering for Wild Apricot and I hope you guys will share on your blog your experiences in the uptake and usage.
I just signed up for the trial account. I created an invoice, sent it to my client, they disputed the amount, I adjusted it and re-sent, they approved it. Flawless (except for my own error)!
I haven’t tried the support ticket system or timetracking piece yet but they look promising.
As my business grows I will certainly upgrade to the paid version.
FreshBooks is a solid service. Consider the regimented approach Mike & Co. take to measuring the success of their web app.
Freshbooks may be a great service, is a great service, but they have been down almost the whole day. Billing site, web site, and even forums. The whole shebang!
Is it from a DOS attack?
Bob
Freshbooks is indeed down and has been all day. I spent the past 2 days raving about how great Freshbooks is to all my friends - then I get slaughtered with emails today saying “dude, the site doesn’t even work”
Indeed…that was very far from good. Almost 2.5 years with 100% uptime, then that. You can find extacting details here:
http://www.freshbooks.com/blog/2006/08/30/update/