Software or Websites for Time Tracking and Billing?

[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.

[iuerg87yerg879e0rg9erugjer]

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

http://www.billingsapp.com/

[Daviot]

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! ;)