Invoices

[HouseOfAtlas]

Hey guys!

For now, I'll just be writing up the invoices manually instead of using a computer program since I don't have a laptop to carry around in my van and I'll be getting service calls throughout the day (hopefully).

For those that do manual invoices, do you go through Nebs or is there another company that offers "professional" invoices?

Thanks in advance for any help :)

[Service Guy]

I couldn't find any I liked through Nebs or anyone else. If you are charging T&M, then Nebs is good. But I have to custom-print my own since I'm flat-rate.

[PLUMBER RICK]

nebs should have all the up to date legal mumbo jumbo already pre printed for your state.

the great thing about a lap top is the ability to pull up any invoice at any time. no to mention all your contact list and material pricing.

a laptop that will do all you need and a portable printer will be well under $1,000. depending on an invoice program $40.- $300. will be the rest of the ticket.

start off with the forms and try to transition to a computer. your customers and accountant will really appreciate it;)

my current system i use has 9 years worth of info at my disposal. not just billing info, but real job, customer notes. almost like medical records for a doctor:D

rick.

[garager]

I'll buy a small quantity of certain forms, then I'll manually copy that on microsoft word or whatever, then print out a mass quantity for the future. I don't take my laptop with me either. I do the same with contracts, but each job is different so it'll get slightly changed for that job....

[HouseOfAtlas]

Thanks for the input, guys! :D

I might buy some sort of computer program for keeping track of invoices and customer information, but I can always input that after the day is over with (for now). I'll be getting 2 part invoices so I can leave one for the customer and have one for my records.

In the future, I'd like to have the laptop on the van along with maybe a printer to print invoices and have it look custom.

Thanks again!

[spodelee]

Hey guys!

For now, I'll just be writing up the invoices manually instead of using a computer program since I don't have a laptop to carry around in my van and I'll be getting service calls throughout the day (hopefully).

For those that do manual invoices, do you go through Nebs or is there another company that offers "professional" invoices?

Thanks in advance for any help :)

Nebs is a great resource for a small (but very qualified) operation. Consider a three part copy and take documentation of your work very seriously (especially recommendations that were not approved by the customers). That written document will save your hiny more than once over the years.

Original for the current year file, 1 copy to the customer, and 1 copy to the 7 year file (stored off site).

[HouseOfAtlas]

Nebs is a great resource for a small (but very qualified) operation. Consider a three part copy and take documentation of your work very seriously (especially recommendations that were not approved by the customers). That written document will save your hiny more than once over the years.

Original for the current year file, 1 copy to the customer, and 1 copy to the 7 year file (stored off site).

Makes complete sense :) Thanks!

[Twicepipes]

So whats a good invoice software program? I already have a notebook.

[gear junkie]

I use My Invoices and Estimates Deluxe based on the recommendation by Drain Medic and Plumber Rick. It works very well and is easily customizable. Since I don't have a laptop yet, I mail out my invoices and this hasn't been a problem with any of my customers.

[Twicepipes]

Thanks GJ. I went to cnet.com, downloaded the trial version but it wont install for some reason. Since 3 of you recommend it, maybe I'll buy the full version and be done with it. Was hoping to try it out first.
Thanks again.:cool:

[MrsSeatDown]

Thanks GJ. I went to cnet.com, downloaded the trial version but it wont install for some reason. Since 3 of you recommend it, maybe I'll buy the full version and be done with it. Was hoping to try it out first.
Thanks again.:cool:

It is a very simple, basic program to navigate, yet it seems pretty inclusive. I know Rick's favorite part is being able to run reports from the data-it is a life saver at tax time!

[westcoastplumber]

Hey guys!

For now, I'll just be writing up the invoices manually instead of using a computer program since I don't have a laptop to carry around in my van and I'll be getting service calls throughout the day (hopefully).

For those that do manual invoices, do you go through Nebs or is there another company that offers "professional" invoices?

Thanks in advance for any help :)





I had Nebs do a custom one for me, I took one of their templetes and added my info and logo, very nice, I was very happy, they did a great job and I was 150% pleased. I had front and back printing on mine.

I still have a few old ones i need to finish, can't wait to start using the new ones!!

[gear junkie]

Thanks GJ. I went to cnet.com, downloaded the trial version but it wont install for some reason. Since 3 of you recommend it, maybe I'll buy the full version and be done with it. Was hoping to try it out first.
Thanks again.:cool:
It only cost 40 and can be found either at office max or office depot, can't remember which one.

[westcoastplumber]

I enter all my accounting into quickbooks, and there is an accounting breakdown on the back, shows my profit, cost of materials, etc.

My quickbooks is easy at the end of the year, 10 minute copy to a disk and off to the accountant, all done :D

My Paper invoices kind of back up my computer, this way I do not have all my egg's in one basket.

[Service Guy]

I enter all my accounting into quickbooks, and there is an accounting breakdown on the back, shows my profit, cost of materials, etc.

My quickbooks is easy at the end of the year, 10 minute copy to a disk and off to the accountant, all done :D

My Paper invoices kind of back up my computer, this way I do not have all my egg's in one basket.

Same here. I even do my own taxes, without quickbooks it would be a nightmare.

[westcoastplumber]

Same here. I even do my own taxes, without quickbooks it would be a nightmare.



The one thing I love about quickbooks is I can go back and compare months financially, to see what works and what does not.

Very important to see colored graphs, and it was great when I was creating my FLAT RATE BOOK, I was able to know what my numbers were for my overhead.

I also use their on-line backup program. keeps the files safe and away from the office. Also, the program will expand with me, payroll, etc.

[cpw]

It only cost 40 and can be found either at office max or office depot, can't remember which one.
Be careful if the trial doesn't work though. If the trial doesn't install there is no guarantee the full up version will, and the full-up version will set you back $40.

[gear junkie]

Be careful if the trial doesn't work though. If the trial doesn't install there is no guarantee the full up version will, and the full-up version will set you back $40.
Why is that?

[PLUMBER RICK]

Be careful if the trial doesn't work though. If the trial doesn't install there is no guarantee the full up version will, and the full-up version will set you back $40.

i have vista and the newer versions work on vista.

there is a 90 guarantee from the co. even if you don't like it;)

rick.

[MrsSeatDown]

i have vista and the newer versions work on vista.

there is a 90 guarantee from the co. even if you don't like it;)

rick.

That is a 90 day guarantee:rolleyes: Ok. I am done covering your :kma: for this evening now;)

Ben, it is Office MAx:)

[Twicepipes]

i have vista and the newer versions work on vista.

there is a 90 guarantee from the co. even if you don't like it;)

rick.

Cool. Well, even so, 40 bucks is no biggie if doesn't work. BUT I am running an intel based Mac with XP also installed:dance: so I'm covered. I'm not sold on vista...yet

[MrsSeatDown]

Cool. Well, even so, 40 bucks is no biggie if doesn't work. BUT I am running an intel based Mac with XP also installed:dance: so I'm covered. I'm not sold on vista...yet

The computer was on sale for $400, which can't be beat for a knock around work computer. It came with vista, so there was no choice:rolleyes:

[Twicepipes]

Yeah, Vista is the one and only choice for anyone purchasing a pc from here on out. XP support is gone. :mad:

Hey Rick is this the same myinvoices software you have?

http://www.qualityinks.com/title_224/My-Invoices-Estimates-Deluxe.htm

[DuckButter]

I had Nebs do a custom one for me, I took one of their templetes and added my info and logo, very nice, I was very happy, they did a great job and I was 150% pleased. I had front and back printing on mine.

I still have a few old ones i need to finish, can't wait to start using the new ones!!

I was going to go the NEBS route, but found it easier to make my own custom forms with MS Excel.
I have switched to OpenSource, which is pretty much the same.
When I write out an order on the fly, I just use carbon paper for a duplicate.

[PLUMBER RICK]

Yeah, Vista is the one and only choice for anyone purchasing a pc from here on out. XP support is gone. :mad:

Hey Rick is this the same myinvoices software you have?

http://www.qualityinks.com/title_224/My-Invoices-Estimates-Deluxe.htm


yes, but that's an older version and i don't think it's vista compatable.

go to their home site and they usually have a discount offer. plus you have a 90 day trial if you don't like it. they even have the downloable version. if you've never used it, i would get the box version instead.

rick.