just started a very small cleaning company and we need some free billing and invoice software to track accounts. in the near future we would like to get a nice software package but in the meantime to keep costs low we're looking for a free solution.

we've tried a couple but we really didnt like them too much.

can anyone suggest anything?

thanks

You probably are not going to find such a thing - however, I can suggest doind what we did - use Microsoft Word and insert tables, etc, in order to create a professional looking invoice. You will have to spend a lot of time doing the invoicing at first but when you get some more $$$ you can buy a standard small business program like Quickbooks.

Not free, but almost! I sell a bookkeeping program that will do virtually everything QB will, except some of the bells and whistles. Accounting-wise it will do it all. But, you can't add a new customer "on the fly" from Invoicing. You have to leave Invoicing and add the customer under Customers, then come back and do the invoice. Things like that, which are nice, but for the price you can do without.

Cost is $ 29.95, with a $ 10 rebate. I ship Priority for $ 5.00. So, for $ 24.95 you can have a good, integrated Invoicing, Accounts receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory (if you need it), and more accounting program. Payroll is there, but the tax tables are $ 20 a year, way less than QB.

There is also a 100% satifaction money back guarantee!

If you're just starting, investing $ 25 now will get you off on the right track for managing your business finances.

Check it out at http://forummembersservices.com/HTML/bk2006.html

I've noticed these types of questions popup in every business forum that I've visited that instead of responding the same thing over, I've decided to create website specifically for Open Source business applications. I haven't officially launched the site yet, but I already started posting some common responses there instead of retyping it again. You may want to check the following link for a brief review that I wrote about my experiences with low cost Open Source CRM solutions which include billing and invoicing:

http://theopenzone.org/viewtopic.php?t=5

Looks like a good idea.

I would add something to your site about ERP

I myself have a small cleaning company been running it for about 3 years..The only software that i have used over the years is XS invoicing.It's a free software and does everything..track cust..you can use it for estimates and quotes..

go here and for more info..

http://www.development-x.com/faqxsinvoicing.html

Yet to find a good open source FREE ERP web based program that a small business can use and install on any virtual web hosting account.

We currently use netsuite.com.au (As I'm from Australia) but it is now costing 8k a year to run and is getting very expensive.

So has anyone found a better ERP system?

Thats a useful resource. I've been viewing online billing systems for the last few months and like you've found they too all have their strengths and weaknesses.

I like your opening comment where you will support a company to the full. Its amazing the number of businesses not open to support from their clients, but it really makes the difference if you can communicate with the supplier. Its so vital with a 'mission critical' piece of software such as billing.

I've used Billing Orchard for a number of years and for an online billing system find it to be very good. Its not free, but with a small monthly subscription is affordable to small businesses.

Their site can be found here. That link will give you a free trial too.

So know one has found any other ERP programs!