Easy way to invoice online

[bigbadmarty]

A company which I do a lot of sub-contracting to has warned me that they will soon start to insist on electronic invoices . Is there a simple way to do this ? Could I just tabulate an e-mail ? Maybe I'll have to download some office software , if so whats the best i.e simplest ? Many thanks in advance Marty PS I have Windows 7 and use firefox ;)

[EvianBaby]

You can just make up a template on Word and change the crucial figures as and when then e-mail it to them.

[mushroom25]

do they mean e-invoicing?
or paperless processing?

[ummmm]

Yes, do a template on word or excel....and send it as an attachment.

[EvianBaby]

I've always understood 'electronic' to mean they just don't want something sent in the post.

[grasscarp]

You can make them via paypal
https://www.paypal.co...voicing_intro-outside
and there are even youtube videos showing you how to do it if you google paypal invoicing

[venator]

The sage accounts package is the market leader, and you can just use the invoicing bit, which will give you aged debtors and all the full hoo ha.

If it's just one company, you can set up a template on Excel and print it as a .pdf file, then email it. A .pdf document can't be changed, and looks just as you send it.

If you don't want to buy Excel, the Open Office program is free, and very similar - each program can open the other's files.

[Maydup]

I think you probably will need some office software bigbadm. I'm guessing from this that you keep your books manually, so maybe its time to go over to a computerised method with the new financial year.

There are some free templates availbel online. Try this one for example, although I have no direct experience of it. Maybe other people do.

http://www.easyaccoun...keeping_software.html

[Maydup]

PS Do you have word and excel?

[bigbadmarty]

Yes ,they have a new office manager and he's keen to streamline the operation - first lose the paper ,then the office staff , then the actual office ! and he can run things from a beech in Thailand ! Anyway cheers for the prompt and helpful replies - thing is I don't think I've got Word or Excell unless its already installed , ive never used it !

[EvianBaby]

An invoice could be as simple as something typed out on an e-mail as long as it details all the important details - unless he's fussy about what his invoices look like he'll accept it - we do.

[cathfromsaron]

we use sage invoices, but i think excel is simpler to start with!

you can include the arithmatic for VAT or postage etc (or whatever you need) in columns easily! then if you need to add or subtract a figure, the 'bottom line' will adjust accordingly!

[AlBags]

I always use word ..
Just use Google online office I suppose .. and save/send in Word 2003 format (.doc)

[ChuckFickens]

As above...

Create the invoice using either word or excel (or open office) and then make a PDF file of it (I suggest cute PDF) and then email the PDF and also store the PDF file with a easy to find file name (i.e. invoice number) (do not send an invoice as a word or excel file!)

Also don't assume email is a guaranteed form of communication.

[bigbadmarty]

He will probably accept the e-mail version for now but I'm keen to look professional and up to speed , even if I'm not ! So I like the sound of a free Open Office download would it be self-explanatory ?

[grasscarp]

Take a look at the link I sent. The invoicing is free.

[venator]

There are lots of tutorials on Open Office and Ms Office, pretty well interchangeable!

Do you have an accountant? He'd be happy to advise, as having your invoices on computer should make his job easier.

[bigbadmarty]

I shall do that now gc ;)

[Maydup]

Go to Start, All Programs, Microsoft Office Starter, Excel SHould be there in Windows 7.

[Maydup]

Just check that the company are OK with PayPal if you're thinking of using that option bigbadm.

[bigbadmarty]

Venator I do my own returns its pretty straightforward mostly labour charges less expenses - tax nearly always deducted at source - the CIS scheme. I do know some accounting people socially so I could ask them and try not to seem dim !