Startup business accounts app

[Wheelhorse]

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]

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.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

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

 

[fisicx]

@Wheelhorse keep records on a spreadsheet. Write invoices using a text editor. Use LibreOffice and it’s totally free. Don’t complicate things.

 

[Wheelhorse]

I need something for a very small startup, just me and no plans to have more people. Something that’s simple to use, free and mobile.

 

[Scalloway]

When I had my busines I used VT Cashbook for bookkeeping and had a template in Google Docs for invoicing.

Free accounting software

Free accounting software from VT Software

www.vtsoftware.co.uk

 

[fisicx]

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.

 

[Wheelhorse]

Maybe it doesn’t have to be mobile then, I thought it would look more professional to supply it straight after the job. Thanks

 

[fisicx]

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.

 

[linkator]

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.

 

[martin_shl]

I use Quickfile. It is free to use if you have a relatively low number of transactions.
That said, my wife does gardening and just has a basic paper invoice book of the carbon copy type.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

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

I use Wave.

 

[Wheelhorse]

Hi, I’m looking at quickfile and Zoho, anybody any plus points for either, steering toward zoho at the moment

 

[Newchodge]

Hi, I’m looking at quickfile and Zoho, anybody any plus points for either, steering toward zoho at the moment

I use quickfile and I have no issues with it.

 

[martin_shl]

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.

 

[Wheelhorse]

I have set both quickfile and zoho and will test the features to see which I prefer.

 

[eteb3]

Starling and Monzo etc have invoicing and basic accounting built in. Starling gets glowing reviews from my other half.

challenger banks (we do need a new name for these!)

Online-only banks?

 

[NCC1701]

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

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

@NCC1701 what is your connection with that platform?