The 7 Most Popular Invoice Programs for Tradespeople

Nils Martens6/4/2024

As a craftsman, you will learn everything about invoicing programs in this article and how to correctly issue invoices.

rechnungsprogramm-fuer-handwerker
Table of contents
  1. What functions must invoicing programs for craftsmen have?
  2. How do you write an invoice as a craftsman?
  3. These are the 7 best invoicing programs for craft businesses
  4. 1. STREIT
  5. 2. Sage 50 Craft
  6. 3. Myfactory
  7. 4. SAP BusinessOne
  8. 5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
  9. 6. Odoo
Morning, half past 8 in Germany. You and your small team of craftsmen have arrived at the next construction site and start with your work, as discussed with your client. Meanwhile, you take care of the never-ending phone calls in the office, write cost estimates and discuss details of future projects. And before you know it, the day is over. Daily life as the boss of a craftsman business involves numerous tasks, many of which are quite time-consuming. Especially paperwork can quickly add up. But that does not mean you have to hire an accountant right away.
Because you already have a strenuous job and do not need to sacrifice your well-deserved leisure time for invoicing and bookkeeping. For this reason, we dedicate this article solely to you and reveal how you can invoice simply and efficiently. In this context, we introduce you to the 7 best invoicing programs for craftsmen, with which your paperwork and accounting will be done in no time. Of course, we take into account the special needs you have as a craftsman compared to managers in other industries.

Recommended accounting and invoicing programs

On our comparison platform OMR Reviews you can find more recommended Accounting- and invoicing programs. More than 120 different systems are available. Our platform offers comprehensive support in all areas of accounting and invoicing. Take the opportunity to compare different accounting programs and take real user reviews into account to find the ideal solution for your individual requirements:

What functions must invoicing programs for craftsmen have?

Using an x-arbitrary invoicing program like any other company as a craftsman would be like a CEO of a tech start-up coming to work with a hammer. The requirements for the combination of accounting and invoicing program for craft businesses are specific. Therefore, to find the suitable software provider, you should pay attention to the following general and specific functions:
  • Wage and material costs can be listed separately on the invoices
  • Creation of cost estimates, offers and invoices within one workflow
  • A concise overview of material costs, rates and prices serves as precise support
  • Automatic reminders
  • Management of advance payments
  • Listing of multiple VAT rates within an invoice
  • Overview of income and expenses
  • Mobile use, in order to calculate cost estimates on-site or to be able to edit invoices
  • Time recording, to bill exact hours
  • Issuing of electronic invoices (for public customers)
  • Summary of inventory management or overview of supplier prices
  • Appropriate interfaces to other software (DATEV, craft programs etc.)
  • GoBD compliance
In addition, the invoicing program must suit the size of your craft business. For this purpose, there are providers that have specifically created tools for small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, you set a budget, which you want to spend for your digital bookkeeping, and find out how many people need access to the invoicing program.

How do you write an invoice as a craftsman?

The sum you want, your company name and maybe even the hint that the invoice must be paid within 14 days. The invoice has been created. Well, it's unfortunately not that easy. As a self-employed individual, you must observe a few things concerning invoicing and bookkeeping. Additional points must be included on an invoice as a craftsman. We reveal what they are in a checklist:
  • Your company name as well as the full address
  • Full name of the customer
  • Tax number of your company
  • Consecutive invoice number
  • Date of issue
  • Listing of services and materials
  • Indication of advance payments
  • All VAT rates corresponding to the services
  • Net amount of the services and used materials
  • Amount of VAT
  • Total invoice amount (gross amount) as well as an indication of what is still to be covered by the customer minus the advance payment
  • Time period of the provided services
  • In the case of applying the small business regulation, you must note this at the end of the invoice
For more information on invoicing, you might want to read our article on "creating invoices". In addition to the compulsory information, it discusses special scenarios, legal requirements and reminders, collection and default.

These are the 7 best invoicing programs for craft businesses

So that you save a massive amount of time in your day as a craftsman, you should rely on the right invoicing program, in order to fully commit to the services for your customers. In our top 7 list, we introduce you to the best solutions, each with its own advantages. Knowing in advance what requirements you have, you can now choose the appropriate invoicing program for service providers in the craft industry.
 
 

1. STREIT

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
0 %6 %13 %20 %27 %34 %41 %47 %54 %61 %68 %75 %82 %
BenutzerfreundlichkeitEase of Use
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 84%Category Average: 84%
0 %7 %15 %23 %30 %38 %46 %53 %61 %69 %76 %84 %92 %
Erfüllt die AnforderungenMeets Requirements
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 91%Category Average: 91%
0 %7 %15 %23 %31 %38 %46 %54 %62 %69 %77 %85 %93 %
KundensupportCustomer Support
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 91%Category Average: 91%
0 %6 %12 %19 %25 %32 %38 %44 %51 %57 %64 %70 %77 %
Einfache EinrichtungEase of Setup
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 78%Category Average: 78%
STREIT is an ERP software specifically for craft businesses of any size. It provides functions for order processing, financial accounting, calculation, project processing, digital time recording, digital archive, operational accounting, measurement, tool management, article and service catalogues, fixed assets accounting, purchase, inventory management, calendar, CRM, and communication. The software is module-based and can be customized to individual needs. Pricing is individual and dependent on the desired functions and services. There are subsidies available for small and medium-sized craft businesses. The support can be reached all year and also offers individual training

Costs of STREIT

The pricing is individual and based on the demanded functions and services. There are subsidies available for small and medium-sized craft businesses. The support can be reached all year and also offers individual training.
Additional information concerning the prices of STREIT and user ratings related to the price can be found on OMR Reviews.

Alternatives to STREIT

You can find an overview of STREIT alternatives on OMR Reviews. There, you can decide on the right invoicing program for craftsmen based on user ratings and experiences.
 
 

2. Sage 50 Craft

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
0 %7 %14 %21 %28 %35 %42 %49 %56 %63 %70 %77 %84 %
BenutzerfreundlichkeitEase of Use
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 84%Category Average: 84%
0 %7 %15 %22 %30 %37 %45 %53 %60 %68 %75 %83 %91 %
Erfüllt die AnforderungenMeets Requirements
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 91%Category Average: 91%
0 %7 %14 %21 %28 %35 %42 %49 %56 %63 %70 %77 %84 %
KundensupportCustomer Support
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 91%Category Average: 91%
0 %6 %12 %18 %24 %30 %36 %42 %48 %54 %60 %66 %72 %
Einfache EinrichtungEase of Setup
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 78%Category Average: 78%
Sage 50 Craft is a comprehensive software solution, which was specifically developed for craft businesses. With the various functions of this tool, you can manage your company efficiently and professionally. Besides the basic functions like creating offers and invoices, Sage 50 Craft also provides modules for material management, order planning, employee management and much more. With this, you can cover all relevant aspects of your craft business seamlessly in one platform.
A special strength of Sage 50 Craft lies in the integration of accounting functions. You can import your financial data directly into the software and handle accounting procedures, such as the creation of balance sheets, management of incoming payments, and preliminary VAT return simply and efficiently. This way, you always keep an overview of your financial situation.
Moreover, Sage 50 Craft offers a user-friendly interface, which is also easy to operate for craftsmen without extensive IT knowledge. The software is intuitively designed and allows for quick familiarization. Additionally, there is a mobile app, which grants you access to important information and functions on the go.

Costs of Sage 50 Craft

The exact costs for using Sage 50 Craft vary depending on the specific requirements of your craft business and the desired modules. The pricing for the solution starts at 14.81 € per month for the start version and goes up to 80.61 € per month for the professional solution.
Additional information concerning the prices of Sage 50 Craft and user ratings related to the price can be found on OMR Reviews.

Alternatives to Sage 50 Craft

You can find an overview of the alternatives to Sage 50 Craft on OMR Reviews. There, you can decide on the right invoicing program for you based on user ratings and experiences, which is specifically designed for the needs of craftsmen.
 
 

3. Myfactory

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
0 %7 %14 %21 %29 %36 %43 %50 %58 %65 %72 %79 %87 %
BenutzerfreundlichkeitEase of Use
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 87%Category Average: 87%
0 %7 %15 %22 %30 %37 %45 %52 %60 %67 %75 %82 %90 %
Erfüllt die AnforderungenMeets Requirements
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 89%Category Average: 89%
0 %7 %14 %21 %28 %35 %43 %50 %57 %64 %71 %78 %86 %
KundensupportCustomer Support
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 86%Category Average: 86%
0 %6 %13 %20 %26 %33 %40 %46 %53 %60 %66 %73 %80 %
Einfache EinrichtungEase of Setup
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 81%Category Average: 81%
Myfactory is a manufacturer of web-based business software for small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) from the trade, production and service sectors. The tool offers integrated, scalable and individually combinable modules for professional use with its Myfactory Cloud ERP solution. These include the business areas purchase, distribution, storage, sales, online trading and web shop, production and the managing of information about customers, suppliers and items.

Costs of Myfactory

The provider does not publicly announce specific price information, but it must be directly requested from Myfactory.
Additional information concerning the prices of Myfactory and user ratings related to the price can be found on OMR Reviews.

Alternatives to Myfactory

You can find an overview of the alternatives to Myfactory on OMR Reviews. There, you can decide on the right invoicing program for you adjusted to your needs based on user ratings and experiences.
 
 

4. SAP BusinessOne

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
0 %6 %12 %18 %24 %30 %37 %43 %49 %55 %61 %67 %74 %
BenutzerfreundlichkeitEase of Use
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 87%Category Average: 87%
0 %7 %14 %21 %29 %36 %43 %50 %58 %65 %72 %79 %87 %
Erfüllt die AnforderungenMeets Requirements
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 89%Category Average: 89%
0 %6 %13 %20 %27 %34 %41 %47 %54 %61 %68 %75 %82 %
KundensupportCustomer Support
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 86%Category Average: 86%
0 %5 %11 %17 %23 %29 %35 %41 %47 %53 %59 %65 %71 %
Einfache EinrichtungEase of Setup
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 81%Category Average: 81%
SAP Business One is an ERP software for small and medium-sized businesses, designed to link business processes. With the ERP SAP Business One, important processes are streamlined, more transparency about business operations is gained, and decisions for business growth are made based on real-time information. The ERP system possesses an integrated business intelligence, allows for integration with the SAP HANA platform and can be deployed both on-premise and in the cloud.

Costs of SAP Business One

The exact costs for the use of SAP Business One vary depending on the specific requirements of your business and the desired modules. Pricing for the solution starts at 38 € per month for the start version and goes up to 91 € per month for the professional solution.
Additional information concerning the prices of SAP Business One and user ratings related to the price can be found at OMR Reviews.

Alternatives to SAP Business One

When looking for an alternative for SAP Business One, it is worth checking out the software review platform OMR Reviews. By using real user reviews, tools can be compared and decisions for the most suitable tool can be made. All tools from SAP can be found on our overview page of the software manufacturer.
 
 

5. Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
0 %6 %13 %20 %27 %33 %40 %47 %54 %60 %67 %74 %81 %
BenutzerfreundlichkeitEase of Use
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 87%Category Average: 87%
0 %7 %14 %22 %29 %37 %44 %51 %59 %66 %74 %81 %89 %
Erfüllt die AnforderungenMeets Requirements
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 89%Category Average: 89%
0 %7 %14 %21 %29 %36 %43 %50 %58 %65 %72 %79 %87 %
KundensupportCustomer Support
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 86%Category Average: 86%
0 %6 %12 %18 %24 %30 %37 %43 %49 %55 %61 %67 %74 %
Einfache EinrichtungEase of Setup
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 81%Category Average: 81%
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is a standard software for ERP systems and is available as a business management solution in the cloud or on-premises. Companies can network their operational processes across departments with the expandable software. The functions are categorized according to financial management, sales and service management, project management, supply chain management, production and retail, reporting and real-time analyses.

Costs of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

Pricing for the solution starts at 6.70 € per user per month for the member version and goes up to 84.30 € per user per month for the premium version .

Alternatives to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central

On OMR Reviews, you can find a number of alternatives to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central . There, you can compare different options and choose the right invoicing program for craftsmen based on user ratings and experiences.
 
 

6. Odoo

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
0 %6 %13 %19 %26 %32 %39 %46 %52 %59 %65 %72 %79 %
BenutzerfreundlichkeitEase of Use
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 87%Category Average: 87%
0 %7 %14 %22 %29 %37 %44 %51 %59 %66 %74 %81 %89 %
Erfüllt die AnforderungenMeets Requirements
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 89%Category Average: 89%
0 %6 %12 %19 %25 %31 %38 %44 %50 %57 %63 %69 %76 %
KundensupportCustomer Support
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 86%Category Average: 86%
0 %5 %11 %16 %22 %27 %33 %38 %44 %49 %55 %60 %66 %
Einfache EinrichtungEase of Setup
Kategorie-Durchschnitt: 81%Category Average: 81%
Odoo is an integrated ERP software solution with a dual licensing model. The target group is businesses of any size. Odoo includes the following modules: CRM, website/e-commerce, billing, financial accounting, production, warehouse management, project management, and document management. A free trial version is available on the website.

Costs of Odoo

Odoo offers a free version. This is a single app for a single user. For larger businesses, this version quickly hits its limits. Accordingly, there are also the standard and custom tariffs. The standard version is available for 31.10€ per user per month with all apps and the custom version is available for 46.80€ per user per month.
Additional information concerning the prices of Odoo and user ratings related to the price can be found on OMR Reviews.

Alternatives to Odoo

You can find an overview of the alternatives to Odoo on OMR Reviews. There, you can decide on the correct invoicing program for you based on user ratings and experiences, which is specifically tailored to the needs of craftsmen.
 
 

7. Artesa

So schätzen User das Produkt einWhat users think about this product
Bisher keine Bewertungen vorhandenNo reviews yet
Artesa is a digital planning board and deployment planning software for craftsmen. It provides a clear, simple and mobile solution for the management and planning of orders. The software allows for real-time updates and promotes collaboration throughout the entire business. Artesa offers functions such as employee planning, photo documentation, time recording, and management of absences. The pricing model is based on a rental solution, which can be cancelled at any time.

Artesa costs

Specific price information is not made public by the provider, but must be requested directly from Artesa.

Artesa alternatives

You can find an overview of Artesa alternatives on OMR Reviews. There you can decide which invoicing program is right for you based on user reviews and experiences.
Nils Martens

Nils ist Gründer der Personal Branding Rebels und seit Jahren fester Bestandteil des LinkedIn-Games. Mit seinem Team hilft er Menschen und Unternehmen, auf LinkedIn und anderen Plattformen als Personal Brands sichtbar zu werden. Die Rebels unterstützen dabei, Corporate Influencer auszubilden, Personal Brands aufzubauen und bieten Workshops an. Immer mit einem rebellischen Ansatz: Out-of-the-Box-Denken und authentische Sichtbarkeit stehen im Fokus, fernab von starren Algorithmen und Blaupausen.

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Software mentioned in the article

Product or service categories mentioned in the article

Accounting
Accounting software, also known as bookkeeping software, facilitates the day-to-day business of accounting department employees by digitally mapping all important tasks and processes of accounting or bookkeeping, or parts of it. Thus, it also contributes to the digitalization of businesses. The software is used in all areas of accounting, such as financial accounting, accounts receivable accounting, and payroll accounting, and enables small, medium and large businesses to implement efficient accounting processes and improve internal collaboration. Important features of accounting software include digital document capture, online banking connectivity and payment services providers, integrated CRM or an interface to a customer relationship management system, inventory management and order overview, and project management. Invoice creation is also part of accounting. While some accounting software have this integrated, there are also specialized invoice programs. Accounting can also be a module of an ERP system or be integrated into one. Since accounting can be very cumbersome and complex, accounting programs help companies to always have all finances in view, which allows serious errors like incorrect bookings to be identified and corrected more quickly. As a result, problems with financial authorities can often be avoided before they arise. Among the greatest advantages of the software are possible cost and time savings.
Billing
Billing and invoice programs are used in companies to create invoices and send them to customers, prompting them to pay for the products or services delivered. With these software solutions, companies can save time and reduce the workload for invoice management, as well as increase the accuracy of their billing processes.  Usually, accounting departments employ invoice software. However, sales employees or project managers can also use the tools to create quotations or pro-forma invoices for their customers. Billing software helps companies manage billing for various types of services and products. For example, there are invoice tools for service providers for project billing or for utility companies for recurring billing. An invoice program can be integrated into accounting software and ERP systems or CRM software, where all customer information as well as the products and services they have purchased are stored. The last phase of the billing process, the receipt of payment, is typically handled in an accounting software or a module of a more extensive software, such as an ERP. To qualify as an invoice program, the solution must: * be capable of creating multiple types of invoices * consolidate multiple invoices into a single one or split an invoice * contain invoice and document templates * offer functions for sending invoices in different file formats, such as PDF and Microsoft Word, via different communication channels, such as email and fax * have reports and analyses about the status of each individual invoice * send notifications about incoming payments * offer integration possibilities with software solutions such as ERP software, CRM systems, or accounting programs
Craftsman Software
Craftsman software is a specialized tool aimed at helping businesses of all sizes in digitizing and optimizing their business processes. These software solutions offer a wide range of functions, from customer management and quotation creation to order processing, invoicing and financial management. They are particularly valuable for craftsman businesses that want to increase their efficiency, reduce paperwork, and gain a better overview of their projects and finances. Craftsman software supports craftsmen in various trades, including construction, electrical, plumbing, and many others, in managing their daily work. To be included in the craftsman software category, a solution should have the following features and characteristics: - Customer Management: Allows for the easy recording and management of customer data. - Quotation Creation and Order Processing: Supports in the quick creation of quotes and the efficient processing of orders. - Invoicing and Payment Tracking: Automates the process of creating invoices and helps with the monitoring of payment receipts. - Material and Inventory Management: Provides tools for managing material stocks and tracking inventory movements. - Time Recording and Employee Management: Allows for the capture of working hours and the management of employee information.

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