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FreshBooks: The Ultimate Tool for Freelancers and Small Businesses

Overview:

FreshBooks is a small-business accounting software tailored for freelancers and independent contractors. Originating as an invoicing solution, it has evolved into a comprehensive accounting tool, now serving users in over 160 countries.

Ease of Use:

FreshBooks offers an intuitive interface, especially beneficial for freelancers and small businesses. The main dashboard provides a clear view of invoices, profit and loss, and other essential metrics. However, some users might find the lack of a global search function and certain bank rule customizations limiting.

Features:

Strong invoicing capabilities with customizable designs.
Mobile app for on-the-go invoicing, receipt scanning, and mileage tracking.
Time tracking is included in all plans.
Basic inventory tracking for billable items.
Integrates with over 100 third-party apps.

Pricing:

FreshBooks offers four distinct plans:

Lite: $17/month – Tailored for self-employed professionals with features like unlimited invoices and time tracking.
Plus: $30/month – Enhanced features for small businesses, including double-entry accounting reports.
Premium: $55/month – For growing businesses, offering unlimited billable clients and advanced email customization.
Select: Custom pricing – For businesses needing dedicated support and features like personalized training.

Customer Support:

FreshBooks stands out with its phone support available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. While it lacks live chat support, users can raise online support tickets, typically answered within 90 minutes.

Popularity:

With its presence in over 160 countries, FreshBooks has established itself as a popular choice among freelancers and small businesses.

Pros:

Comprehensive invoicing features, including mobile invoicing.
Time and mileage tracking are available in all plans.
Reliable phone support with quick response times.
Integration with a wide range of third-party apps.

Cons:

User and client limits on specific plans can hinder scalability.
The Lite plan lacks some fundamental accounting features.
Absence of a full audit trail for accountants across all plans.

In Practice:

For online entrepreneurs, especially freelancers and small businesses, FreshBooks can be a valuable ally. Its robust invoicing and time-tracking features can simplify financial management, allowing business owners to focus on growth. However, as businesses expand, they might find some of the tool’s limitations challenging.

Overall Rating:

4.2/5 – FreshBooks offers a comprehensive suite of features tailored for freelancers and small businesses. While it excels in invoicing and support, some scalability concerns might arise for rapidly growing businesses.