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Cloud Accounting
When I started Andy Proctor LTD a few years back, I needed something that did the job of my kitchens accounts staff, but wanted to keep the businesses separate. However, I didn’t want the overheads of another “bookeeper”.
At the time, I was looking to do my first iPhone app and the developers said they were playing with an API and FreeAgent. The developer who made my very first e-commerce website 8 years ago also used FreeAgent and still invoices me today using it when we work together. The thing I noticed was his efficiency at chasing un-paid bills. I now know why, as I use FreeAgent and it’s fantastic.
I can do work for a customer and before I leave, open the notepad on my iPhone and record the time I started and finished and quick note of the work done, then email that to myself. This means I don’t forget to invoice them. When I am at my PC, I copy the notes from the email to an invoice and set the hours and rate and send it! It is sent as a professional PDF with a logo and a snappy looking layout that you would expect from a high class business such as mine!
FreeAgent then chases with a polite, personal email template that I have saved, reiterating the values, contacts, dates and how to pay the un-paid bill. It also attaches the PDF invoice. I have different terms for different customers. Say 28 days, then a reminder, then another 10 days after that, then one every 3 days after this.
Whilst I was on a coach once travelling to London, I took a call from a customer and emailed the supplier during the call to order the product and sent it (drop ship). I then logged in to FreeAgent on my iPad, raised the invoice and it sent the invoice all within 5 minutes. I was able to hang up the call knowing FreeAgent would chase it for me and give me a monthly statement too.
I am writing this blog today as I have just added the system to my FreeAgent account. It took 4 mins with minimal installation and requirements. This will allow me to add a card payment link to my invoices, in the default email template for customers to pay by card. I can now get rid of my 2.5% and £25 per month merchant facility with 1% charges! – It’s a no brainer…
Thanks FreeAgent, you save me money, effort and worry as well as doing my HMRC, VAT, Duty, liability, profit and loss, cash in hand and much much more!
Tags: cloud accounting, FreeAgent, FreeAgent account, Go CardLess
