11 replies to this topic

[TrickierStinky]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if you could give me some tips on software I can use to help me keep track of a single or maybe a few small projects I would be doing for my uncle's start-up.

As this is my first time freelancing I'm wanting free applications if possible, or advice on how to do the following:

• Time tracking and Costing - Is there any free software or websites that operate such as Harvest?
  
• Invoicing - Is there also any free software or good templates you know that I could use

Normally I wouldn't be bothered on keeping track, but because he is starting up a new company he wants to do everything by the book so wants me to keep as much detail about cost as possible.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

[+Cupcakes]

I use a few applications for my billing/time/project management.

• Invoicing - Free - CurdBee
  
• Time Tracking & Invoicing - Paid ($12/mo) - Harvest App
  
• Time Tracking & Invoicing - Free* - Roninapp
  
• Time Tracking - Free* - Tickspot
  
• Time Tracking - Free* - Toggl
  
• Time Tracking & Invoicing - Paid ($12) - Lets Freckle
  
• Time Tracking** - Apollo

* App has a free version that is limited. Also has paid options w/ more features.

** Apollo is also more of a project management app than it is just for time tracking. I'm currently using this over Basecamp right now as I'm looking for a free (or cheaper) alternative to paying $24/mo for something I don't use often enough to really need an extra monthly expense. It does include some nice time tracking though for tasks.

Of the ones I listed, I use getharvest with my second contract job where I am paid hourly; I just run the widget created to track my time then send them an invoice for them to print up (since I'm cut a check.) I use CurdBee for all of my freelance webdev work as I don't actually track time but rather just give quotes and let them buy "blocks" of support time. So I only charge for 'products.'

[ashpowell]

http://www.roninapp.com/ - Roninapp.

Absolutely perfect... Its what my company uses it couldn't be any better designed make sure you take a look

[metallithrax]

http://dotproject.net/

[greenwizard88]

I just use office, and some online templates customized to my liking.

[The Protagonist]

billings is very good, use it all the time when i freelance

http://www.billingsapp.com/

[Daviot]

Cupcakes, on 09 January 2011 - 21:53, said:

I use a few applications for my billing/time/project management.

• Invoicing - Free - CurdBee
  
• Time Tracking & Invoicing - Paid ($12/mo) - Harvest App
  
• Time Tracking & Invoicing - Free* - Roninapp
  
• Time Tracking - Free* - Tickspot
  
• Time Tracking - Free* - Toggl
  
• Time Tracking & Invoicing - Paid ($12) - Lets Freckle
  
• Time Tracking** - Apollo

* App has a free version that is limited. Also has paid options w/ more features.

** Apollo is also more of a project management app than it is just for time tracking. I'm currently using this over Basecamp right now as I'm looking for a free (or cheaper) alternative to paying $24/mo for something I don't use often enough to really need an extra monthly expense. It does include some nice time tracking though for tasks.

Of the ones I listed, I use getharvest with my second contract job where I am paid hourly; I just run the widget created to track my time then send them an invoice for them to print up (since I'm cut a check.) I use CurdBee for all of my freelance webdev work as I don't actually track time but rather just give quotes and let them buy "blocks" of support time. So I only charge for 'products.'

I can add to that list with a couple of tools i use, free of course.
http://www.billingboss.com/ by sage really nice invoicing system, basic functionality is free, actually I think its all free right now.
http://www.timedoctor.com/ very nice time tracking software, its good for productivity as you can assign tasks to hours etc.

[pudgenton]

TimeDoctor is a great time tracking software.


A quick tip: Before choosing any time tracking software, you have to make sure you're choosing something that has fewer flaws. Most web based software tools that companies use for tracking time have one thing in common, they rely on the user to estimate how much time they worked on a task. This is not really accurate because the activities aren’t tracked in real time. However, other software solutions do offer “real time” tracking, but it is not the standard way of using the application, and it’s all too easy for the employee to resort on estimating how long they spent on an item.
I suggest you read this awesome article first, just something that'll guide you on finding the perfect software for your business. I hope it helps!

[vin.churchil]

Try time billing tool...

This would handle both your requirements. It does time tracking, billing, project management and invoicing too.

Let me know your feedback once tried...

[SadJoker]

Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but maybe freshbooks.com

[FarazS]

SadJoker, on 03 February 2013 - 13:37, said:

Not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but maybe freshbooks.com

Faraz from FreshBooks here. I'm currently the Social Media Marketer at FreshBooks, a Cloud Accounting service. @SadJoker - wanted to drop a quick line and say thanks for the shout-out! In terms of this discussion, as you can tell - there are an abundant number of options out there in the wild. Choosing the right one for you really comes down to a few key decisions:

a) What Are Your Key Needs?

For example - do you want robust reporting for tax season? Would you like to enable online payments for clients? Do you want clean invoice templates? Do you need heavy job-costing/project management oriented features? Would you like a recurring billing feature (or in other words - is the nature of the service you're providing based on subscription pricing?)? I'd say peg down your top 3 requirements, then take a quick look at the options listed in this thread to see which ones may fit the bill (no pun intended). I know it may sound a bit more complicated than just finding a 'free time-tracking' solution, but if you're seeking out a solution in the first place, it's better to get it right the first time because switching to a different one is not all that easy.

b) Trial & Get Hands-on

Most online/cloud accounting software these days will offer you a trial. I'd recommend kicking off a trial run for the 2/3 choices that fit your needs. Aside from just 'meeting your requirements', you'll want to pick a program that's easy enough to use that you actually won't dread using it. Let's face it - keeping track of your accounting is the least-liked part of the job .

Good luck on your quest and if you need any more help, feel free to reach out through email (faraz@freshbooks.com).

[#Michael]

Holy Freaking Thread Resurrection Batman !!!!