When most people hear "invoicing," they consider Microsoft® Excel, Word, and other common programs for creating, distributing, and tracking billing documents. (Click here for OfficeArrow's invoicing template.) But, did you know that the Internet offers some wonderful invoicing programs, as well? Below are two web-based invoicing resources.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks offers what they call "painless billing." I have to agree - creating invoices, sending them out, and tracking payments can truly be burdensome. But, this fully web-based program is easy to navigate, and it offers users a free trial to get started immediately. Within a few minutes, you can create a custom invoice to send to clients. In addition, invoices can be sent by e-mail or snail mail, and copies can be printed or saved as ".pdf" files. Another benefit of this program is that it offers clients a means to pay you online with PayPal or a credit card. You can also upload your company logo, maintain a list of your clients, and track your personal and staff expenses.

However, this program does much more than just creating and sending invoices to clients; it offers an extremely professional presentation of your company. And, FreshBooks even enables you to create aging reports and use valuable time-tracking tools to observe how much time you've spent on a particular project. In addition, you can customize the program layout to suit your particular needs and even buy stamps online. Also, if you get into a bind, FreshBooks personnel provide ample support. In fact, they're so committed to offering help that they actually list their direct customer-service phone number on their website.

Another program benefit: The monthly fees for FreshBooks are very reasonable. They whimsically name their packages from the low end ("Shuttle Bus") to the high end ("Time Machine"), and the cost runs from $14/month to $149/month, depending on the number of clients you manage. The Shuttle Bus package, for instance, allows you to invoice up to 25 clients while the Time Machine option enables you to manage up to 5,000. (Note: There are also three mid-range packages available.) Be sure to check out this highly intuitive program.

SimplyBill

SimplyBill is another great online option for invoice creation and maintenance. This program certainly has a lot to offer, and it boasts a "simple, powerful invoice-management" tool. Again, one thing I appreciate about online-invoicing options is that the user gets more than just a stuffy spreadsheet. Let's consider the number one advantage of any web-based application: It's available anywhere that there's an Internet connection, and there's no need to install additional software on your hard drive.

One perk this particular program offers is that you can create one invoice for both time and service/products. For example, if it took you 2.5 hours to install 17 products that were also purchased from your company, you can list products and service hours on the same invoice. It also allows you to set up recurring invoices to save time and remind you to bill your customers. Go ahead and laugh - who forgets to ask for money? Well, I do. In fact, I actually had to set up a task in my calendar to remind me to invoice clients!

Needless to say, I might just sign up for the services offered on this site. Another great benefit: SimplyBill enables you tag the highest invoices, allowing you to keep an eye out for those particular payments. This program is also very reasonably priced, beginning at just $5/month and running up to $25/month for an unlimited number of invoices. (Note: FreshBooks offers unlimited invoices at all service levels.)

The next time you turn to your drab, old '80s spreadsheet invoices, jump online and check out these great programs. Most likely, you'll be pleased with what you discover!