Startup business accounts app

Wheelhorse

Free Member
May 8, 2013
34
3
Nottingham
Hey all.

I am starting up a very small garden business and I am looking for a free to use app that I can put costs, expenses and generate invoice in. I am looking for a free to use version if anyone can advise. I know there is one called wave, but would like more options. Thanks
 

Newchodge

Moderator
  • Business Listing
    Nov 8, 2012
    22,634
    8
    7,948
    Newcastle
    Hey all.

    I am starting up a very small garden business and I am looking for a free to use app that I can put costs, expenses and generate invoice in. I am looking for a free to use version if anyone can advise. I know there is one called wave, but would like more options. Thanks
    Have you opened a business bank account yet? Some give free accounts software with the account.
     
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    JEREMY HAWKE

    Business Member
  • Business Listing
    Mar 4, 2008
    8,569
    1
    4,027
    EXETER DEVON
    www.jeremyhawkecourier.co.uk
    A free accounts system can sometimes be counterintuitive

    We use sage and it's expensive but over time I have come to learn that it reduces costs in other areas or limits unexpected spending that you would see with other account systems
     
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    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,659
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    15,359
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    @Wheelhorse keep records on a spreadsheet. Write invoices using a text editor. Use LibreOffice and it’s totally free. Don’t complicate things.
     
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    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,659
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    15,359
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    Something that’s simple to use, free and mobile.
    Why has it got to be mobile?

    Our gardener sends an email with the invoice when he gets home.
     
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    fisicx

    Moderator
    Sep 12, 2006
    46,659
    8
    15,359
    Aldershot
    www.aerin.co.uk
    Keep it very simple. Just do all your invoicing in the evening when you get home. Set up a template on your PC/Mac and email it to the customer.
     
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    linkator

    Free Member
    Dec 17, 2024
    6
    0
    I am currently developing such application for sole interpreneurs which should be free for basic accounting (creating/tracking invoices, uploads for expenses (incoming invoices, receipts) with automatic recognintion (total, date, list of goods/services purchased, payment card partial number, etc), importing bank transactions, filing tax return to HMRC (according to coming MTD rules). The ultimate goal to tackle upcoming Makig Tax Digital for Personal Income which will be obligatory for some sole enterpreneurs for 2026/27 financial year. I made a lot bespoke accounting applications for bigger companies in the past and now decided to launch more mass-market product.
    I can definitely help you with bookkeeping and your early feedback will be priceless.

    Please contanct me for a chat.
     
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    As mentioned, many of the challenger banks (we do need a new name for these!) offer the ability to send bills.

    I use Wave.
     
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    martin_shl

    Free Member
  • Business Listing
    I like Quickfile; there is a comprehensive knowledge base and forum with a very responsive service from the team as well as other users. It has guidance for sole traders so you can get setup. You can also vote on feature requests.

    There's very little I can't do that I want to do on the Free level but if you want to upgrade it is not that expensive.
     
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    NCC1701

    Free Member
    Apr 2, 2025
    9
    0
    I use <deleted> to handle my quotes and invoices. It’s really designed for sole traders and small businesses in the UK with low quantities of invoices to process (maybe less than 50 a month) so it might be perfect for you.

    Unlike a clunky invoice generator, you can create your customers and products and the system remembers them so you don't need to constantly retype.

    Does everything except payment links which is a rip-off anyway. It's not a full bookkeeping system like Xero, just quotes and invoices, customers and products.

    Best thing its free to use without a subscription. Been using for 2 years

    No brainer
     
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    @NCC1701 what is your connection with that platform?
     
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