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    Online Invoicing Tools Versus Microsoft Excel

    Microsoft Excel has proven to be a valuable tool for individual freelancers and small-scale startups over the years for managing the accounts and generating invoices. Microsoft Excel can be used with a lot of formulae that makes complex calculations very simple.

    However, with the advent of newer invoicing tools and software, MS Excel is no longer the most preferred application for invoicing. Instead, other modern-day tools are making life even simpler for businesses to heighten productivity and reduce wasted time on invoicing.

    Since these newer tools make the accounting process very seamless and simple, here are some reasons why you should use e-invoicing over the traditional Excel spreadsheet.

    Purposefully Designed Tools

    Online invoicing tools are purposefully designed to help you collect invoice payments. The templates that online invoicing tools employ are very professional and focus on specific details. Additionally, many advanced invoicing tools also include a “Pay Now” button which leads the customers to a payment page. The customer can then choose whether to pay via credit card, direct bank transfer, or e-wallet methods.

    On the other hand, you can include as much information as you wish while raising an invoice with Excel. However, they will always be less professional and will not give customers a subtle reminder with a “Pay Now” button.

    When it comes to generating professional-looking invoices and getting paid quicker, online invoicing tools are the best bet.

    Embedded Process Automation

    Online invoicing tools boast greater automation which is critical for reducing time spent on administrative tasks. Generally, businesses using Microsoft Excel as their primary payment tool will have to take care of every step manually. At times, it is not very feasible and uncomfortable to keep reminding customers to pay invoices on time.

    By comparison, online invoicing tools have features like automated reminder emails that prompt customers to pay on time, every time. You can set the date for the auto-reminder as well and reminders will also help ensure your business gets paid on time without having to chase down payment frequently.

    Capable Information Storage

    Once you have switched over to online invoicing software, you will likely realize just how seamless the entire process has become. You don’t have to manually input prices, tax rates, and customer details every time you make a new invoice for the same customer. Instead, invoicing software stores all the relevant information for you. Simply add the item and quantity and the rest will be handled for you automatically. All of the information is stored in the online invoicing software service’s cloud.

    Easily Accessible

    Online invoicing tools are very accessible and don’t require you to be at your computer to access or generate invoices. Many of these tools can be accessed on mobile devices via dedicated applications or web browsers. This makes it easier for you to be productive on the go, even when you have left the office for a business trip or vacation.

    Highly Customizable

    A lot of the invoicing tools have powerful themes and templates that you can customize to match your business branding. If you have been using the same format for a very long time, you can simply switch the design without requiring a lot of skills. You will still have the same customer information, rates and products, all while gaining the option to design a fresh layout.

    Professional Appearance

    Last, but certainly not least, online invoicing can help you generate visually appealing invoices. It takes a giant leap over conventional PDF invoices for a fresh layout. Though not always obvious and evident, online invoicing software makes a huge difference over conventional MS Excel invoices thanks to more organized designs and flows that demonstrate your professionalism to customers.

    Key Takeaways

    There are multiple reasons why you consider e-invoicing instead of continuing to issue official invoices from Microsoft Excel. It will help you generate professional invoices ensure smooth payment without having to deal with constant reminders and inefficient processes.

    Apart from the ability to invoice from anywhere across multiple devices, automated reminders and easily integrated payment methods for your customers can help ensure you get paid quicker.

    So why wait? Starting making the transition to e-invoicing to start enjoying the benefits over Microsoft Excel’s more limited functionality and mobility.