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How to create the best QuickBooks invoice templates

QuickBooks / By

This guide covers everything that goes into creating the best QuickBooks templates for your invoicing process.

How to create the best QuickBooks invoice templates Read More »

As a small business owner, managing finances can make you feel like you’re drowning. Fortunately, QuickBooks templates are here to be your life preserver.

QuickBooks provides a user-friendly financial management solution through its various document templates. Perhaps the most helpful example is the QuickBooks invoice template.

While the built-in invoice templates QuickBooks offers are impressive, they are nonetheless standardized and impersonal. Creating an invoice template that stands out and effectively communicates your brand is crucial to getting paid on time.

Our research indicates that customers already expect a personalized experience when buying from any business. So, a well-designed invoice improves your cash flow and leaves a lasting impression on your customers. 

In this post, we’ll guide you through everything that goes into creating the best QuickBooks templates for your invoicing.

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What to include on your QuickBooks invoice

When creating a QuickBooks invoice, you need certain elements to ensure clarity, professionalism, and legal compliance. 

Drawing from our experience, the most important things to include in your QuickBooks template are:

  1. Your business name, address, and contact information. You can also add branding, like your company logo.
  2. Your customer’s details, including name, address, and contact information.
  3. Total amount due, including any taxes and fees.
  4. A unique invoice number for tracking and reference.
  5. The date the invoice was created and when it is due, as well as any penalties or late fees that apply.
  6. A detailed description of the goods or services sold, including price and quantity.
  7. Payment instructions with payment methods, billing address, and any other relevant details.
  8. Any terms and conditions that apply to the sale, such as warranties or refund policies.

The clearer and more informative your QuickBooks invoice template is, the more you prevent delays and disputes from your customers.

How to edit QuickBooks templates for your invoicing

In QuickBooks Desktop

To edit templates in QuickBooks Desktop, take the following steps:

  1. In the “Lists” menu, click “Templates”.
Drop-down menu for lists in QuickBooks Desktop, with 'Templates' highlighted with a red box around it.
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks
  1. Select the type of template you want to edit.
  2. In the “Formatting” tab, click “Manage Templates”.
Formatting tab that shows the 'Manage Templates' box with 'Copy 2: Intuit Product Invoice' Highlighted and a template named 'Sample Invoice Template' highlighted with a red box around it too.
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks
  1. Select the template you want to edit, then click “OK”. Here you can add your logo, change fonts and colors, and edit information. 
  2. For more structural changes, click “Additional Customization”. You can also select “Layout Designer” to move or resize the elements on your template.
  3. You can preview your template, then click “OK” when you’re done.

In QuickBooks Online

To edit invoice templates in QuickBooks Online, watch the above tutorial or follow these steps:

  1. Click the gear icon, then select “Custom Form Styles”.
A cursor navigating over custom form styles showing in QuickBooks Online
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks
  1. Find your template in your list of custom forms, and click “View/Edit” under the “Actions” drop-down menu.
A dashboard showing 'sales' highlighted in the left-side menu, as well as invoices highlighted in the upper menu. Overdue and Deposited amounts shown through orange and green charts in the upper area of the dashboard.
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks
  1. Your editing options are separated into three sections: “Design”, “Content”, and “Emails”. 
  2. Implement your changes in each tab (most of them will be in “Content”), then click “Done”.

How to change your company name on QuickBooks invoice templates

Your company name on depends on your general account settings. The process is slightly different for QuickBooks Desktop and Online.

In QuickBooks Desktop

  1. In the “Company” tab, select “My Company”.
My company tab selected and highlighted in green in a drop down menu as Steps 1 and 2
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks
  1. Click the pencil icon (edit) in the upper right corner.
  2. In the “Company Information” section, make your changes. 
  3. Click “OK”.
Steps 3, 4 and 5 indicated in a form showing Company information including fields such as company name, address and phone number.
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks

In QuickBooks Online

  1. Click the gear icon, then select “Accounts and Settings”.
  2. Select “Company”, then the pencil icon (edit) in the upper right corner.
A diagram indicating 'Company selected with an arrow pointing to a pencil icon as the next step.
Image credit: Conectier
  1. Enter the new name in the “Company name” field.
A zoomed in image showing the company name field.
Image credit: Conectier
  1. Click “Save”, then “Done”.

Note that these changes happen automatically for all your QuickBooks templates.

How to change the invoice number sequence on your QuickBooks templates

Here are the steps to change the invoice number sequence of your QuickBooks templates.

In QuickBooks Desktop

QuickBooks Desktop numbers your invoices sequentially, but you can manually change each number. Keep in mind you can’t use letters when it comes to invoice numbers in QuickBooks Desktop. 

The next invoice you create will count up from that last change. Here are the instructions to change them:

  1. In the “Customers” menu, select “Create Invoices”.
  2. Choose your customer whose invoice you want to renumber. 
  3. Under the “Invoice #” field, enter the number you want to use.
  4. Click “Save and Close”. 
Copy of a template showing invoice number, customer name , description and rate highlighted
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks

In QuickBooks Online

You can use QuickBooks Online’s “Custom transaction numbers” feature to set your own numbering preferences. Here’s how:

  1. In “Get paid & pay”, select “Invoices”.
  2. Click your starting invoice, then select “Edit invoice”.
  3. In the “Invoice no.” field, enter your custom number or letter sequence — your other invoices will follow sequentially.
  4. Click “Save and close”.
A zoomed in image of a custom invoice with the invoice number highlighted with a red box around it and arrow pointing towards it.
Image credit: Intuit QuickBooks

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QuickBooks invoice templates: What to personalize

Based on our observations, the built-in QuickBooks invoice templates are a great starting point for you to send professional and effective invoices. 

That said, it’s important to personalize your invoice template to: 

  • Reflect your brand.
  • Ensure clarity for your customers.
  • Increase your chances of getting paid. 

Here are a few things to consider when personalizing your QuickBooks invoice template.

Your logo and branding

Including your company logo and branding elements on your invoice template to reinforce your business identity and make your invoice stand out. 

Make sure to upload a high-resolution version of your logo to ensure that it appears crisp and clear on your invoice. 

You can also customize the color scheme of your invoice to match your branding.

Add the unique fields you need

Every business has unique invoicing needs, so it’s important to add any additional fields that suit yours.

For example, if you need to include a purchase order number on your invoice, you can add custom fields to your QuickBooks invoice template for it.

You can also display or hide certain fields on your invoice depending on your needs.

A message to your customers

Based on our firsthand experience, adding a personalized message to your customers on your invoice builds a stronger relationship with them and encourages repeat business. 

You can use this space to:

  • Add any unaddressed details.
  • Thank them for their business.
  • Provide them with information about upcoming promotions or events.

Keep in mind, this message should be short and to the point so you don’t clutter up the invoice.

How to import invoice templates into QuickBooks

In QuickBooks Desktop

  1. In the “Lists” tab, select “Templates”.
Dropdown menu showing lists highlighted in green and templates selected in green.
Image credit: Right Networks
  1. In the “Templates” drop-down menu, select “Import”.
  2. Find the .DES file you want to import and click “Open”.
Box that shows file search and selection process for importing including file name and file type to open and import
Image credit: Right Networks

In QuickBooks Online

Unfortunately, our findings show that you can only import invoice templates into QuickBooks Online if your account is older than 29/06/2021. If you meet this criteria, here’s how to do it:

  1. In the gear icon, select “Custom Form Styles”.
  2. Under the “New style” drop-down menu, select “Import style”.
  3. Select the proper form type.
  4. Select the “Save and upload your file” field, then open your .DOCX template.
  5. Click “Next.”

Enhance your QuickBooks invoice templates with Method

Method is the best business automation platform for growing businesses that use QuickBooks Online or Desktop. Here’s why. Method:

  1. Integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Desktop and Online.  
  2. Allows you to create fully customizable invoice templates that are tailored to your business. 

With Method’s invoice capabilities, you can add custom fields and automate several steps in your invoicing process, saving you time and reducing errors. 

Method also includes a range of pre-built invoice templates to which you can easily add your branding and messaging. To download your free invoice template, click here.

Plus, with Method’s mobile app, you can create and send invoices on-the-go, making it easy to get paid faster.

You belong in the driver’s seat. Let Method be your engine. Start your free trial today. 

QuickBooks invoice templates FAQs

How can I send invoices?

Once you have your invoice open in QuickBooks, you can either:

  • Select “Review and send” to email the invoice to your customer. After a final check, select “Send invoice” to deliver it instantly.
  • Select “Print and download” to print a physical copy that you can send in person.

You can also send your customer a link to their invoice via text message by clicking “Share link”.

How do I change my QuickBooks invoice template?

To change your QuickBooks invoice template, open your invoice in the “Sales” tab. Then:

  • Select “View/Edit” on your chosen invoice.
  • Click “Manage” (gear icon) to add and remove fields, change colors, and turn on payments.
  • For additional customization options, select “Invoice settings” in the side panel and view each drop-down menu.

You can toggle the on and off switches to customize easier and preview changes as you make them.

What can I include on QuickBooks invoice templates?

There are several elements you can include on QuickBooks invoice templates. Make sure to add the:

  • Date the invoice was sent and its due date. 
  • Business details of the seller and buyer.
  • Quantity sold and amount due. 
  • Invoice number.
  • Description of goods and services sold.
  • Terms and conditions.

Beyond that, you can include elements of your branding like your company logo to stick out from the pack and ensure you get paid on time. 

Can you include a custom message on a QuickBooks invoice template?

You can’t include a custom message on a QuickBooks invoice template specifically, but you can set a custom message for all your invoices. Here’s how:

  • Click the gear icon (your settings), then select “Account and Settings”.
  • Select “Sales”.
  • In the Messages section, click the pencil icon (edit).
  • From the “Sales form” drop-down, select “Invoices”.
  • Type your default invoice message.
  • Click “Save”, then “Done”.

See how you can automate your invoices with Method.

Image credit: Andrey Popov via Adobe Stock

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The complete QuickBooks comparison guide

Accounting, QuickBooks / By

Discover the differences between versions of QuickBooks to find out which version is best suited for your business.

The complete QuickBooks comparison guide Read More »

For small business owners, keeping your books clean and up-to-date is crucial to your success. QuickBooks, the leading accounting software on the market, offers several versions tailored to different business needs.

To ensure you make the most of this powerful tool, it’s essential to evaluate the different QuickBooks products in order to choose the version that best aligns with your specific requirements.

In this comparison guide, we’ll review your options and provide recommendations to help you select the most suitable QuickBooks version for your business.

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How to choose the right QuickBooks version for you

Before deciding on a QuickBooks version, you should first consider your business size and industry specific bookkeeping requirements. Each version caters to different types of companies, such as small businesses, non-profits, or enterprises. 

Understanding your unique business needs will help narrow down your top options and make your decision-making process easier.

QuickBooks accounting software overview

QuickBooks is a comprehensive accounting software suite designed by Intuit to help businesses of all sizes manage their finances efficiently and accurately.

Recognized for its user-friendly interface, QuickBooks offers a range of features to streamline financial tasks, such as:

  • Invoicing.
  • Bills tracking.
  • Payroll processing.
  • Inventory management.
  • Tax and basic sales reporting.

By automating and simplifying complex accounting processes, QuickBooks helps you maintain financial transparency and compliance while you focus on running and growing your business.

Available in both cloud-based and desktop versions, QuickBooks offers a variety of subscription plans and industry-specific editions.Moreover, this software supports integration with a number of third-party applications, allowing you to create a cohesive ecosystem of tools for streamlined operations.

Choosing the right QuickBooks software

Before committing to a specific QuickBooks version, take advantage of free trials or demo versions to gain hands-on experience with the software. This will familiarize you with the user interface, features, and functionality.

As your business grows, your accounting needs will likely change. 

That’s why it’s important to ensure that your chosen QuickBooks version can accommodate your business’ future growth. 

Based on our firsthand experience, one way to evaluate growth readiness is to determine whether your accounting system seamlessly integrates with other apps you use, such as your software systems that handle:

  • Payroll and people management.
  • Inventory management.
  • Customer relationship management (CRM).

You might also consider consulting with a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. These experts will save you time, answer your questions about Quickbooks, and provide valuable guidance on the best solution for your business.

They may even offer training and support services to help you get started. This way, you find the QuickBooks-compatible tools that best tackle your specific business challenges.

Quickbooks software types:

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online dashboard

Image credit: Intuit

QuickBooks Online (QBO) is a cloud-based accounting software best suited for small and medium-sized businesses.

Accessible from any device with an Internet connection, QBO allows business owners to manage their finances on the go. With a range of features and flexible pricing plans, QBO offers businesses a user-friendly cloud accounting solution.

Pros

  • Cloud-based software accessible from any device with an Internet connection.
  • Multiple users can access and work with financial data simultaneously.
  • Integrates with various third-party applications in its ecosystem.

Cons

  • Limited customization capabilities for reports and templates.
  • Requires a stable Internet connection to function.
  • Subscription-based pricing model.

Price

QuickBooks Online offers four pricing tiers, each with varying features:

  • Simple Start: $30/month — Designed for small businesses, this plan offers basic features such as income and expenses tracking, invoicing, and basic reporting.
  • Essentials: $55/month — This plan includes all Simple Start features, plus bill management, time tracking, and support for up to three users.
  • Plus: $85/month — The Plus plan offers all Essentials features, along with inventory tracking, project profitability tracking, and support for up to five users.
  • Advanced: $200/month — Aimed at larger businesses, the Advanced plan includes all Plus features, as well as advanced reporting and analytics, custom user permissions, and support for more than 5 users.

If you’re new to QuickBooks Online, you can save 30% for 12 months on your selected plan.

QuickBooks Desktop

Insights screen in QuickBooks Desktop

Image credit: Intuit

QuickBooks Desktop is a locally installed accounting software that offers a powerful solution for small and medium-sized businesses that require advanced features and customization options.

It’s also worth noting that its different versions cater to different industries and business sizes.

However, Intuit announced that support for QuickBooks Desktop Pro will cease after May 31st, 2023. It’s very likely that Intuit QuickBooks Enterprise and QuickBooks Premier will follow suit in the years to come. Currently, these two versions are still available for purchase.

Pros

  • Highly customizable; customized reporting and invoice templates included.
  • More advanced features, such as complex inventory management and job costing.
  • Does not require an Internet connection to function.
  • One-time purchase makes it more cost-effective compared to QBO’s subscription model.

Cons

  • Only accessible on the device where it’s installed.
  • Requires manual updates and backups, which can cause temporary disruptions.
  • No real-time collaboration, making it challenging for teams to access data simultaneously.
  • Starting June 2023, Intuit will cease support for QuickBooks Desktop Pro; it’s likely that the other Quickbooks Desktop versions will follow in the coming years.

Price

QuickBooks Desktop is currently available for purchase in two versions:

  • QuickBooks Desktop Premier Plus: Starting at $799 per year for 5 users — This version includes basic bookkeeping features, inventory management, and time tracking.
  • QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise: Starting at $1,410 per year for up to 40 users — Aimed at larger businesses, this version includes advanced inventory management, custom user permissions, and built-in payroll for unlimited employees.

QuickBooks for Mac

quickbooks for mac overview

Image credit: Intuit

QuickBooks for Mac is an accounting software developed by Intuit specifically for Apple’s macOS operating system.

It is designed to help small businesses manage their finances by providing tools for tracking income, expenses, invoicing, and more.

Pros

  • Intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
  • Mac-specific features, such as support for the built-in notification system and Touch Bar on MacBook Pro.
  • Integrates with various third-party applications in its ecosystem.

Cons

  • Lacks some of the features available in QuickBooks Online, such as multi-currency support and real-time collaboration.
  • No direct access for accountants, making remote access impossible.
  • No dedicated mobile app.

Price

A QuickBooks Mac Plus 2023 subscription starts at $549.99 per year for one user.

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QuickBooks Online Accountant

Image credit: Intuit

QuickBooks Online Accountant (QBOA) is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for accounting professionals.

It allows accountants to manage multiple clients’ books, collaborate with team members, and access powerful tools to streamline their accounting tasks.

Pros

  • Multi-client management from a single dashboard.
  • Real-time collaboration with clients and team members.
  • Advanced features such as automatic bank feeds, expense tracking, invoicing, and reporting.
  • Secure data storage on remote servers, with automatic backups and updates.

Cons

  • Limited customization capabilities compared to Desktop solutions.
  • Requires a stable Internet connection to function.
  • Subscription-based pricing model.

Price

Our research indicates that QuickBooks Online Accountant is a free piece of software with accountant-specific features on the cloud. But, it requires an active QuickBooks Online or Self-Employed account to access those features.

QuickBooks Self-Employed

Image credit: Intuit

QuickBooks Self-Employed (QBSE) is a cloud-based accounting software designed specifically for freelancers, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals.

It simplifies financial management by helping users track income, expenses, mileage, and taxes.

Pros

  • Easy expense tracking for separate personal and business transactions.
  • Simplified tax management through integration with TurboTax.
  • Built-in mileage tracker automatically logs miles driven for business purposes.
  • Create invoices, track payments, and manage customers in a single platform.

Cons

  • Lacks advanced features such as inventory management and payroll.
  • No support for multiple users, making collaboration a challenge.
  • Subscription-based pricing model.

Price

QuickBooks Self-Employed offers three subscription options:

  • Self-Employed: $15/month — Basic self-employed plan.
  • Self-Employed Tax Bundle: $25/month — This plan includes a TurboTax Self-Employed subscription.
  • Self-Employed Live Tax Bundle: $35/month — This plan includes a TurboTax Self-Employed subscription and unlimited help from a CPA all year round.

QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Pro

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution that gives users access to data from anywhere with an Internet connection, supporting real-time collaboration and automatic updates and backups.

It has different subscription plans to fit various business sizes but offers very limited customization options.

On the other hand, QuickBooks Pro is a desktop application that offers advanced features such as inventory management and other industry-specific tools.

The one-time purchase option QuickBooks Pro offers helps businesses save on costs over time. But it requires manual updates and backups and lacks real-time collaboration.

What types of businesses use QuickBooks Cloud vs. Desktop

Generally, businesses that prioritize accessibility, real-time collaboration, and automatic updates tend to prefer QuickBooks Online. This cloud-based solution is ideal for companies with remote teams, multiple locations, or those that require frequent access to financial data on the go.

Our analysis has shown that QuickBooks Desktop is more suitable for businesses that prefer a one-time purchase option and require more advanced features or industry-specific tools.

Desktop users often include companies with a stable office environment, those who seek greater customization options, and those who do not rely heavily on real-time collaboration. 

After a comprehensive evaluation, the choice between QuickBooks Cloud and Desktop will depend on your unique business requirements and preferences.

One thing you should keep in mind is that Intuit is beginning to discontinue service for some QuickBooks Desktop versions. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, QuickBooks Online might be your best option.

QuickBooks versions FAQs

What is the easiest QuickBooks to use?

Our findings show that QuickBooks Online is generally considered the easiest to use due to its intuitive interface, cloud-based accessibility, and real-time collaboration features. Furthermore, Intuit’s knowledge base offers extensive content resources that help you learn how to use the tool more effectively.

Is QuickBooks enough for a small business?

After trying out this product, small businesses find that QuickBooks is typically enough as it offers essential accounting tools to manage finances, track income and expenses, create invoices, and generate reports. The various QuickBooks products cater to different needs, allowing small businesses to choose the solution that best fits their requirements.

Do I need to buy QuickBooks every year?

For QuickBooks Desktop (Premier and Enterprise), you don’t need to buy the software every year. However, Intuit releases new versions annually with improvements and updated features. You can choose to upgrade if you want the latest features, but it’s not mandatory.

Through our hands-on experience, we found that Intuit generally provides support for their three most recent versions, so you might need to upgrade after a few years to continue receiving support and updates.

QuickBooks Online, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service requiring monthly or annual payments. As long as you maintain your subscription, you will have access to the software and receive regular updates without needing to purchase new versions.

See how CRM helps you get the most out of QuickBooks.

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How to make the most of your CRM and customer experience

Customer Experience / By

Customer experience is way too important to ignore. Read on to see how you can level up your CRM and customer experience at the same time.

How to make the most of your CRM and customer experience Read More »

You’ve gathered all the customer information you can dream of through your CRM system, but now what? How do you make sense of the CRM and customer experience data you’ve worked so hard to collect?

Learning from your CRM and customer experience data is most valuable when it comes to understanding your customers and improving their satisfaction levels. 

With the right approach, you can use your findings to identify trends, uncover insights, and make meaningful changes to your business that create bigger and better opportunities.

Read on to learn more about how you can use your CRM and customer experience data to its fullest potential.

What is customer service software?

Customer service software is a system that allows you to manage customer support tasks and simplify your customer service process. 

Customer service software typically features things like:

  • Contact management tools.
  • Automated help desk options. 
  • Self-service portals. 
  • Ticketing systems.

Using customer service software improves your response times and caters your service. What results are happier customers and a better groundwork for more business opportunities down the line.

How does customer service software work?

Customer service CRM software works by providing you with digital tools to streamline and tailor your customer service.

This type of software saves you time by automating routine tasks like:

  • Responding to questions.
  • Addressing complaints.
  • Resolving recurrent issues.

You can set up most CRM systems to automate these tasks across multiple communication channels. Additionally, customer service CRM software typically provides you with analytics to better understand your customers’ needs and expectations.

Why do small businesses need customer service software?

First and foremost, customer service CRM software helps your business by making it easier for you to help your customers.

This is especially important for small businesses that have built a reputation on personalized service. 

Implementing customer service CRM software allows you to automate several customer support workflows. In turn, you have additional time and resources to strengthen your interpersonal areas of customer service.

Why use a CRM for customer service?

A CRM is a good idea for any business to stay organized, try out marketing strategies, and increase profitability. But it’s also great for your customer service because it:

  • Gives you and your customers a complete view of your interaction history across all channels.
  • Accelerates and automates customer support.
  • Allows your customers to self-serve.
  • Provides easy access to a knowledge base.

Complete history of your customer interactions

Most likely, you’re handling dozens of customer interactions every week (or more!). So naturally, it’s impossible to remember all the meetings, emails, and phone calls you’ve ever had.

CRM software keeps track of every customer interaction with your business, so you don’t have to. It gives you a convenient view of your interaction history in every stage of your sales funnel.

Automated tracking eliminates issues of human error and helps your business stay organized. It supports both you and your customers, as you can provide them with any information they request concerning their history with you.

Faster customer support

When it comes to customer support, it can sometimes take several months to hear back from a company. Others might never get back to you at all. With a customer service CRM software, your customers get the quick support they need.

Through customer support features like online portals, your customers can solve problems independently, 24/7. This means that your employees don’t need to be on the job for your customers to receive support.

What results is that your customers receive better and faster support not just through these CRM and customer experience tools, but from your employees as well. 

Empower your customers to self-serve

One of the best ways CRM and customer experience work in tandem is when you provide your customers with self-service options. A customer service web portal, for example, allows your customers to access information and solve problems all on their own. 

Some popular self-serve features you can provide your customers include:

  • Access to documentation like estimates and bills.
  • Adjustable account settings.
  • The ability to make and track payments.

Offering self-sufficient support tools saves you time and money. Only when your customers have exhausted their portal options will they need to seek help from your staff.

Knowledge base for your customers

Customer service CRM software makes it easy for your customers to access crucial information about your products and services.

Examples of on-demand information that you can make accessible to your customers include:

  • Educational resources, like manuals, help guides, and FAQs.
  • Community discussion forums that enable communication with and between your customers.
  • Customer feedback surveys and previous results.

By consolidating helpful information for your customers and reducing requests for your customer service reps, you save aggravation on both sides.

In some cases, you can automate these knowledge bases so that they contain more information and solve more problems with each query. 

CRM and customer experience: The benefits

1. Stay in touch to drive repeat business

One of the best things about a CRM is how it connects you to all your customers, regardless of how much of a history you’ve established with them.

Acknowledging an existing customer relationship, no matter how substantial, shows customers that you’re organized and that you value their business. Even the smallest initial interaction can lead to an indispensable business relationship. 

Plus, your sales pipeline is much more manageable when dealing with repeat customers. 

Simply put, tracking your history with customers shows that you care. As a result, it’s much more likely that they’ll return to your business.

Not to mention, with CRM and customer experience software, you’re not just more likely to drive customer loyalty. Chances are, you’ll acquire more leads through word of mouth as well.

2. Quick response to your customers’ queries

Implementing a CRM removes barriers that keep your customers from getting quick and accurate solutions to their problems. 

With CRM and customer experience platforms, gone are the days of long turnaround support times. Through automated customer support CRM tools such as web-based portals, your customers can solve problems instantly and independently.

In most cases, your customers’ problems will overlap and be relatively easy to solve. So, you can make standard solutions for recurrent issues, where your customers don’t need to wait on external factors.

3. Fulfill your customers’ needs

With a CRM system, you’re more capable at handling customer wants and needs. Incorporating CRM and customer experience software means your customer-facing workflows are all individually tailored.

Just because you provide your customers with the same products or services doesn’t mean all their needs are identical. With a focus on customer experience, you ensure that every individual in your diverse customer base is satisfied with your business.

4. Create personal relationships

In simplest terms, doing business is about nurturing and developing personal relationships. Whether you’ve built those relationships already or have plans to, CRM systems exist to help you with the process.

The stronger your relationship with a potential customer, the more likely you are to find opportunities to increase your revenue. It’s more than just customer retention. Customers that feel connected to your company return with more business, and sometimes even with more customers.

So, taking advantage of CRM and customer experience software boosts your ability to build relationships and expands your scope for discovering new customers. 

What are some best practices for customer support software?

Customer support software varies from system to system, but the most successful ones:

  • Let customers decide when and where to meet if necessary.
  • Connect customer service and customer success.
  • Have capacity for customization.

Meet your customers on their terms

Customer support software is especially great at empowering your customers more than is otherwise possible.

Take face-to-face meetings, for example. Typically, your customers need to contact your sales representatives, who then need to find availability in their schedules (or vice versa). Once they’ve figured that out, your sales reps need to give your customers a place to meet. This is usually on company property, which can be a hassle.

Instead, with CRM and customer experience software, your customers can meet with your support staff on their terms. 

You can give customers available blocks of time to choose from and then meet them somewhere you both agree to. Plus, you can automate this process, so customers don’t need to contact anyone to arrange a meeting.

Not to mention, with the self-service options that most of these programs offer, you’ll cut the need for most in-person meetings anyway. 

Merge customer service and customer success

Customer service and customer success are two sides of the same coin. Both help your customers in different ways. But at their cores, the two exist for the same purpose — to drive customer satisfaction.

Customer service is helping people when they need it, while customer success is about helping people use your products or services to achieve their goals. But good CRM and customer experience software recognize the significant overlap that these business methods have.

These kinds of platforms merge customer service and customer success by giving customers the tools to educate themselves and solve problems regarding your business. 

In a way, this makes each customer their own personal support rep, even before your staff is brought into the mix. What results are more efficiency and happier customers.

Make personalization possible

Finally, with CRM and customer experience software, you can personalize your service to each customer.

When customers engage with your business, they want to feel seen and heard. There’s no better way to do that than considering their wants and needs in your products or services.

With a CRM, you provide personalized experiences to each of your customers without putting in any extra effort.

Factors like account settings, branding, and customizable dashboards all play a part in your ability to provide personalized customer journeys.

With the right customer experience strategies, you can check all these boxes and exceed customer expectations. Personalized service across a diverse demographic gives you a far greater reach and satisfaction rate than when you only target one type of customer.

Bridge the gap between CRM and customer experience with Method CRM

Contact view highlighting the ability to add a new contact in Method CRM.

Generally, providing a positive customer experience means more work for you and your employees. But not with Method CRM. Method understands that CRM and customer experience go hand in hand. 

Method CRM is the perfect solution for those who want to provide better customer service, even as business growth makes it increasingly hard to do so. It’s designed to make your life easier, so you don’t need to worry about elaborate, expensive plans, or a steep learning curve.

Method gives you loads of service tools and lets you automate several customer-facing workflows.

Some of the ways that Method simplifies these workflows are through:

  • Customizable, self-serve, cloud-based customer portals.
  • Drag-and-drop workflow automation.
  • A centralized view of contact details and history on a single platform.
  • A mobile app.

See Method CRM’s pricing plans here.

Recap: How CRM and customer experience overlap

All in all, CRM and customer experience overlap in more ways than they differ.

With Method CRM, you can automate several business practices that revolve around customer experience management, such as:

  • Keeping in touch with customers.
  • Responding in a timely manner.
  • Fulfilling customer needs.
  • Harnessing personal relationships.

Method CRM recognizes that CRM and customer experience are inseparable. And its suite of CRM tools supports your mission to give customers an experience they won’t forget.

CRM and customer experience FAQs

What is a CRM system in customer service?

A CRM (customer relationship management) system in customer service is a customizable software that centralizes and automates your customer service workflows.

At its core, a CRM is designed for contact management, but it offers much more. It’s the perfect tool to stay organized and give your customers the attention they deserve, even as your business grows.

How can CRM improve customer experience?

CRM improves customer experience in several ways, including:

  • Faster turnaround time for support.
  • Self-serve options.
  • Detailed, organized information for every customer.

Which CRM is best for customer experience?

Method CRM is the best CRM for customer experience. It offers several features that improve customer experience, such as:

  • Customer support workflow automation.
  • Self-serve web-based portals.
  • Personalized service.

See for yourself what Method CRM is all about!

Image credit: Vanessa Garcia via Pexels

An older man sitting at a desk, looking focused on his laptop.

Top 9 customer service portal solutions for 2025

Customer Service / By

Customer service portal solutions will transform your business into one that customers can’t get enough of. Here’s our list of your top 9 options.

Top 9 customer service portal solutions for 2025 Read More »

Customer service is something that businesses overlook far too often, especially as they grow over time.

Customer service refers to the way you engage with customers and the support you provide them. Better customer service means happier customers. And happier customers means bigger business opportunities down the road.

However, as your business grows, it gets harder and harder to provide a consistent level of customer service to your clientele.

This is where implementing a customer service portal saves the day.

What is a customer service portal?

A customer service portal is a web-based, centralized hub where your customers can access information and perform key functions.

It’s a secure and personalized space for your customers to engage with your company on their own terms, resulting in a much better customer experience.

Why do you need an advanced customer support portal?

An advanced customer support portal is a good idea for companies of any size. Incorporating portals makes your customer interactions more efficient and reliable through:

  • Secure self-service options.
  • On-demand access to information.
  • Reduced wait times for support.

Empower your customers to self-serve

A customer service web portal allows your customers to access information and solve problems on their own. With the option to self-serve, customers don’t have to contact your company to get what they need.

Some popular self-serve features that a customer service portal offers are:

  • Access to documentation like estimates and bills.
  • Adjustable account settings.
  • The ability to make and track payments.

On-demand information

A customer service portal lets its users log in and access whatever data or information they need, anywhere and at any time.

This way, your customers don’t need to do any external research when they have questions or concerns. Instead, they can jump into their personal custom client portal and look through the resources.

Examples of on-demand information that you can provide your customers include:

  • Educational resources for your products or services, such as guides and FAQs.
  • Regular customer feedback surveys and their previous results.
  • Community discussion forums that enable communication between your customers.

Because client portals are accessible 24/7, your employees don’t need to be on the job in order for your customers to get what they need immediately.

Faster support for your customers

A customer service web portal also gives your customers the opportunity to get support much quicker. In fact, portal users can solve many of their problems instantly and independently. In some instances, you can set your portals up to solve common requests without the need for human intervention.

Giving your customers self-sufficient support tools is something that they are sure to appreciate. Only when they’ve exhausted these portal options will they seek interpersonal support.

This makes your business way more efficient. An advanced customer support portal reduces your support team’s workload, resulting in improved employee experience, as well as employee productivity. This is because your team can then focus all their attention onto support requests that your portals can’t fix.

What results is that your customers receive better support not just through their portals, but from your employees as well. And in turn, you exceed customer expectations and drive customer loyalty.

Top 9 customer portal solutions

Without further ado, here’s our list of the top nine customer service portal software solutions.

1. Method

Method CRM is the number one advanced customer service portal solution. Along with its impressive catalog of CRM tools and integrations, Method offers its users a complete customer service portal set-up.

So, you don’t have to worry about coding anything yourself. Method also ensures that your portals are fully customizable and individually catered to your business needs.

Not to mention, it also automates your accounting processes through its powerful two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero.

Key features

  • Customizable, cloud-based customer portals with features like transaction tracking and customer payment processing.
  • Estimates, invoices, and payments instantly sync with QuickBooks or Xero.
  • Automated customer workflows (i.e. lead collection via web-to-lead forms).
  • 360-degree view of contact information and history.
  • Drag-and-drop workflow automation.
  • Mobile app for those on the go.

Pros

  • Opens up new possibilities for customer support.
  • Powerful, two-way QuickBooks and Xero integrations.
  • Unlimited customization options.
  • Reusable templates streamline your reporting, invoicing, and emailing.
  • Converting estimates into invoices is a breeze.
  • Integrates with popular third-party applications.

Cons

  • English is the only currently supported language.
  • Available only to QuickBooks and Xero users.

Pricing

Method CRM offers three pricing plans:

  • Contact Management: $25 per user per month.
  • CRM Pro: $44 per user per month.
  • CRM Enterprise: $74 per user per month.

Method CRM also offers a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

2. Huddle

Screenshot of a Huddle customer portal on different devices

Image credit: Semrush

The next top customer service portal provider is Ideagen Huddle. It’s a collaboration software that provides bespoke cloud-based portals to its users.

Key features

  • Custom client portal solutions.
  • Secure file management capabilities.
  • Versatile, invite-only workspaces.
  • App for mobile devices.

Pros

  • Visually appealing dashboard.
  • Intuitive and easy to use.
  • Uploading and downloading large files is quick and efficient.
  • Contains helpful word processing tools.

Cons

  • Lacks important features like timelines, document collaboration tools, and time tracking.
  • Files can be difficult to find on the desktop application.
  • Limited third-party integrations.
  • No capacity for reporting.
  • Weak customer service.

Pricing

Huddle has three pricing plans, beginning at $10 per month:

  • Huddle Starter.
  • Huddle.
  • Huddle Plus.

Huddle has a bespoke pricing model, which means you need to contact its parent company, Ideagen, for your specific price. It also offers a free 30-day trial.

3. Accelo

Product shot example of an Accelo portal.

Image credit: Accelo

Accelo is the third customer service web portal on our list. It’s an end-to-end CRM software that focuses on speedy business growth. It’s also a dedicated space for you to configure your own customer service portal system.

Key features

  • Customer portals with near-limitless customization.
  • Ability to automate daily employee workflows like billing.
  • Accounting software integrations.
  • Project management tools such as drag-and-drop Gantt charts.
  • Mobile app.

Pros

  • Portal customization options are limited only by your team’s programming skills.
  • Strengthens billing and reporting functionality.
  • Converts quotes into invoices easily.
  • Emphasis on your company’s branding for a more unified experience.

Cons

  • Setting up portals is time-consuming and requires some coding background.
  • Recurrent performance issues on mobile devices.
  • Informative resources like guides and tutorials are nonexistent or outdated.
  • Steep learning curve to fully understand the software.

Pricing

Accelo has two pricing plans:

  • Plus: $24 per product per user per month, with a 5-user minimum.
  • Premium: $39 per product per user per month, with a 5-user minimum.

Accelo also offers a 14-day free trial.

4. Zendesk

Screenshot of a Zendesk portal.

Image credit: Zendesk

Zendesk Suite is a software bundle that offers a wide array of tools across its Support, Guide, Chat, and Talk platforms. Among these features is the option for an effective customer portal.

Key features

  • Customizable self-service portals.
  • Help center page builder that builds self-service knowledge bases through AI.
  • Email marketing features (i.e. syncing, alerts, templates, and tracking).
  • Pre-built dashboard with reporting options and company metrics.
  • Call and text log.

Pros

  • Strong customer support resources for its users.
  • Efficient, easy-to-use ticket management system.
  • Well-polished time tracking.
  • Concise reporting.

Cons

  • Steep, time-consuming learning curve, particularly for customization.
  • Costly for small to midsize businesses.
  • Recurrent performance issues.
  • Needs more support resources, like tutorial videos and help articles.

Pricing

Zendesk has three pricing plans:

  • Team: $19 per user per month.
  • Growth: $49 per user per month.
  • Professional: $99 per user per month.

Zendesk also offers a 14-day free trial.

5. Flowlu

Screenshot of a Flowlu client portal

Image credit: Flowlu

Flowlu is another all-in-one business management company that gives its users customer service portal options.

Key features

  • Multi-purpose custom client portal.
  • Project management automation.
  • Lead generation functions.
  • Collaboration tools such as mind maps and designated workspaces.

Pros

  • Good functionality, with very few speed bumps.
  • Solid customer engagement and support.
  • Great range of features.
  • Friendly and accessible user interface.

Cons

  • No email automation functionality.
  • Limited storage space, even in the premium plans.
  • Lacks informative resources such as how-tos and blog articles.
  • Limited third party integrations.

Pricing

Flowlu has five pricing plans:

  • Free: Maximum 2 users and 1GB storage.
  • Team: $39 per month, maximum 8 users and 10GB storage.
  • Business: $74 per month, maximum 6 users and 50GB storage.
  • Professional: $149 per month, maximum 25 users and 100GB storage.
  • Enterprise: $249 per month, unlimited users and 1000GB storage.

Flowlu also offers discounted rates on annual subscriptions, and a 14-day free trial.

6. SuiteDash

Screenshot of a SuiteDash portal

Image credit: AppSumo

The next top customer service portal on the list is SuiteDash. It’s a comprehensive cloud-based business management software, but is particularly praised for its client portals.

Key features

  • Advanced customer service portal that’s easily configurable.
  • Online course creation through a learning management system (LMS).
  • CRM functionality like contact monitoring and data management.

Pros

  • Nearly endless customization options.
  • Reliable customer service.
  • Affordable pricing plans.

Cons

  • Lacks some fundamental CRM tools such as billing processes.
  • Steep learning curve.
  • Occasional performance issues.
  • Built-in dashboard is visually unapealing.
  • Poor e-signature formatting.

Pricing

SuiteDash has three pricing plans:

  • Smart: $19 per month.
  • Thrive: $49 per month.
  • Pinnacle: $99 per month.

SuiteDash also provides discounted rates on annual subscriptions, and a lifetime price lump sum for each plan. Plus, it offers a 14-day free trial.

7. SupportBee

Screenshot of a SupportBee portal

Image credit: SupportBee

SupportBee is also another good option for those seeking a customer service portal. It’s renowned for its unique customer support email management capabilities, but its cloud-based customer portal is impressive as well.

Key features

  • Self-service portals that revolve mainly around tracking and sending support tickets.
  • Automated knowledge base.
  • Great customer support email management and tracking.

Pros

  • Unique pricing based on the amount of tickets you use, rather than user count.
  • Automated ticket management removes the need to manually track ticket IDs.
  • Tons of information and help resources available online.
  • Advanced categorization, such as differentiating between multiple product lines.

Cons

  • Limited capacity for customization.
  • Slow browser loading times.
  • Lacks areas for client feedback or discussion.
  • Automated tickets are especially easy to overlook.
  • Lacks meaningful form options, like web-to-lead forms.

Pricing

SupportBee has two pricing plans:

  • Startup: $15 per user per month.
  • Enterprise: $20 per user per month.

SupportBee also offers a 13% discount on annual subscriptions, and a 14-day free trial.

8. Freshdesk

Product shot example of a Freshdesk portal example

Image credit: Freshdesk

Next up is Freshdesk. It’s a popular cloud-based help desk platform that improves employee experience. Users can create their own custom client portal within their accounts.

Key features

  • Customer service portal configuration, and a 360-degree view of all your users’ portals.
  • Ticket management system that emphasizes collaboration.
  • Pre-built templates for various communication methods.
  • “Freshchat”, which merges all a customer’s messages across different channels into an omnichannel for customer service.
  • AI-powered chatbots that require limited coding.

Pros

  • Accessible and user-friendly interface.
  • Solid email management tools.
  • Strong ticketing system that facilitates interdepartmental collaboration.
  • Plenty of third party integrations.

Cons

  • Customer service portal configuration requires customers to write some code themselves.
  • CRM functionality is lacking (i.e. poor contact search and management).
  • Recurrent performance issues with little customer support.
  • Limited reporting options.

Pricing

Freshdesk has four pricing plans:

  • Free: $0 and up to 10 users.
  • Growth: $18 per user per month.
  • Pro: $59 per user per month.
  • Enterprise: $95 per user per month.

Freshdesk also offers a discounted rate on annual subscriptions, and a 21-day free trial.

9. SuperOkay

Screenshot of a SuperOkay customer portal on laptop and mobile.

Image credit: SuperOkay

Our final top customer service portal solution is SuperOkay. It’s a unique software in that it focuses entirely on providing users with advanced customer support portal options.

Key features

  • Custom branded client portals.
  • Secure file sharing, and the option to personalize links to those files.
  • Straightforward document creation.

Pros

  • Customizing portals is easy and nearly limitless.
  • Quick and easy set-up.
  • Visually attractive interface, even for default portals.
  • Embedding most external files is a seamless experience.

Cons

  • Offers no other business management tools aside from customer service portals.
  • Limited customer engagement or social presence, and an absence of help resources.
  • Lacks two-factor authentication (2FA) for secure log-ins.
  • Would benefit from incorporating webhooks.
  • Reports of performance issues.

Pricing

SuperOkay has three pricing plans:

  • Solo: $25 per month, 1 user, 2GB storage.
  • Solo+: $79 per month, 3 users, 10GB storage.
  • Business: $149 per month, unlimited users.

SuperOkay also offers a 20% discount on annual subscriptions, and a 14-day free trial.

How to choose the best customer service web portal for your business

Ultimately, the best customer service web portal is different for every business — it depends on your specific company’s needs. You’ll want to use a customer service portal solution that caters to your business’ purpose and values.

You should consider the aspects of your business’ customer support that need work, and then choose a portal solution that will best handle those shortcomings.

That being said, we recommend Method CRM as the number one advanced customer support portal provider.

Method recognizes the importance of customer support. It also acknowledges that a custom user portal with self-service options, on-demand information. Plus, branding makes for a more personalized experience, which will develop customer trust and generate more business opportunities down the line.

Customer service portal FAQs

What are the benefits of client portal software?

The benefits of client portal software include, but are not limited to:

  • A 360-degree view of customer information for you and your customer.
  • Customers can self-sufficiently solve most issues, freeing up your customer service agents to do other tasks.
  • Cloud-based file sharing and storage.
  • Faster turnaround time on support requests.
  • Instantaneous, online payment processing.
  • Unified branding helps drive customer loyalty and trust in your services.

How can you build an advanced customer support portal?

You can build an advanced customer support portal using one of three methods:

  • Program it entirely on your own.
  • Hire a specialist to code it for you and make an electronic delivery.
  • Set it up using no-code tools in a dedicated system like Method CRM.

The first option allows for endless customization, but requires coding experience and a sizable amount of time to create.

The second option is much easier, but the creation and delivery of technology like this quickly becomes expensive. Plus, it’s more difficult to get exactly what you want from a source that’s external to your business.

The third option is the best of both worlds, giving you a nice balance between vast customization options and ease of set-up.

Using a dedicated system like Method CRM opens up the floor for customizations in a way that does not require any programming knowledge and is easy to follow. 

Not to mention, Method CRM offers to do the customer service portal setup process themselves, free of charge.

Here is an example of a custom portal built in Method CRM no-code platform.

Example screenshot of a Method customer portal.

What are the common features of a customer service web portal?

The common features of a customer service web portal are:

  • Self-service tools.
  • Knowledge bases around your products and services, like how-to guides and FAQs.
  • Secure online access to customer data and documentation.

That being said, all customer service portal providers are different, and come with their own unique balance of benefits and limitations.

Consider how you can build on all levels of your business’ customer service when picking the right customer portal solution for you.

Start your customer service portal journey with a free trial of Method CRM!

Image credit: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

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Improve customer experience with a QuickBooks Online portal

Customer Experience, QuickBooks / By

Providing a positive customer experience is one of the most overlooked parts of running a business. Read on to learn how using a QuickBooks Online portal makes your customers happier.

Improve customer experience with a QuickBooks Online portal Read More »

No matter how satisfied your customers are, there’s always room for improvement.

Consistently building on and improving your customer experience goes a long way for your business. Just like with your marketing efforts, providing a better customer experience means more sales opportunities down the road.

So, not only will you make your customers happier, but when you provide extraordinary customer service, you accelerate your sales process and increase profitability.

This is why implementing a QuickBooks Online portal will benefit your business. It’s your foundation for providing a positive customer experience.

Grow your business without leaving QuickBooks Online.

Build on QuickBooks

How do online portals improve customer experience?

Online portals improve customer experience in multiple ways. Namely, they ensure customer interaction with your business is as efficient as possible. A QuickBooks Online portal lets your customers:

  • Access information, documentation, and reusable templates.
  • Self-serve through support options.
  • Update account details and preferences.
  • Read through help resources, training content, and community forums.
  • Pay bills and retrieve invoices.

In most cases, your customers don’t need to contact your company. They get everything they need in a centralized location. Plus, they can access portals any time, anywhere with an Internet connection.

All this added convenience makes a QuickBooks Online portal the perfect tool for improving customer engagement and satisfaction.

Is there a customer-facing QuickBooks Online portal?

While QuickBooks Desktop has a customer-facing portal, there’s no native QuickBooks Online portal.

QuickBooks Online users interested in customer portals must integrate a third-party add-on with their accounts. Some companies offer specialized software, but an integrated solution is always your best bet.

With Method CRM, you can configure a custom portal that instantly syncs with your QuickBooks Online account with whatever features and customer service elements that suit your business best.

Not to mention, you also get a large selection of CRM (customer relationship management) tools to exceed your sales goals and improve efficiency.

How to create a secure web portal for your customers

Those who want to create a secure web portal have three options:

  1. Program it from scratch.
  2. Hire a professional.
  3. Build it in a no-code platform like Method CRM.

The first choice requires advanced programming knowledge and tons of time, but the customization possibilities are limitless.

The second option is easier but gets expensive. Hiring developers means that you don’t need coding skills of your own. However, it also means that you don’t get complete control over your portals’ design process. And connecting your accounting software is a whole job itself.

The third option combines the best of both worlds regarding customization and simplicity. The Method team helps you create a secure web portal for your customers with ease.

And Method CRM’s two-way sync with QuickBooks means that your QuickBooks Online portal will function seamlessly right out the gate.

Here’s an example of a custom portal built in Method CRM.

Connecting your QuickBooks customer data

Once you’ve developed your customer service portal, the next challenge is connecting your QuickBooks customer data. It requires you to code a system that translates data from QuickBooks to your portal databases and vice versa.

On the other hand, Method CRM’s patented automatic, two-way sync with QuickBooks means that your portals will already be connected to your QuickBooks customer data. And whatever change you make in either system will update on the other end.

Check out this video to see how Method portals integrate your QuickBooks information and serve your customers.

What to include in a self-service customer portal

A QuickBooks Online portal has a long list of optional elements, but you’ll want to make sure to include:

  • Access to account settings and information.
  • Transaction history.
  • Invoice payment options.

Account information

One of the key elements that online portals provide to your customers is immediate access to their accounts with your business. In their Quickbooks online portal, customers can change their preferences and update information at the click of a button.

If they want to change their billing address, for example, they only need to log into their portal and update their settings. This removes the need to contact your support team, saving time and aggravation on both sides.

Transaction history

Your transaction history is the roadmap to the health of your business. So, naturally, recording and tracking all transactions with your customers is crucial. No matter how small the transaction, tracking sales activity in your portals keeps you and your customers organized.

Not to mention, when money is involved, your customers should stay fully informed on their history with your business. This way, there’s never any confusion about previous bills and payments.

So for both your and your customers’ sake, customer service portals should include a detailed transaction history for every account.

Invoice payments

Getting paid for your products and services is the most important step in keeping your business afloat. So, making the payment process easier for your customers is a no-brainer.

Luckily, you can build a QuickBooks Online invoicing portal where your customers can access and pay their bills with ease. You can also notify your customers when they have outstanding payments due.

So, incorporating a QuickBooks Online payment portal means you get paid faster and more consistently.

Online payments, automated leads, and customer management?

See how Method does it all

Why the #1 QuickBooks CRM is your best bet

Method CRM, the #1 QuickBooks CRM software is your best bet for a few reasons, primarily because of our patented two-way sync.

This means that any change you make to either system will automatically update in the other. This way, you can be certain that your information is always up to date.

Taking advantage of Method CRM means you get advanced QuickBooks portal options and a range of CRM tools.

Recap: Benefits of a QuickBooks Online customer portal

Implementing a QuickBooks Online portal is great for your business for several reasons, but the most notable benefits are:

  • Self-service options for your customers that save you time and money.
  • Personalized customer-facing workflow automation.
  • Improved customer convenience and satisfaction.
  • Integration with your QuickBooks account.
  • Robust file sharing and storage.

QuickBooks Online portal FAQs

Does QuickBooks Online have a customer portal?

QuickBooks Online does not have a native customer portal. Instead, those who want a portal that connects with their QuickBooks Online account must choose from a third-party application that offers such a feature, like Method CRM.

What is the difference between a customer portal and a partner portal?

The difference between a customer portal and a partner portal is, first and foremost, who uses it.

A customer service portal is designed exclusively for customers of an organization, providing them with access to self-service options and information.

A partner portal is designed to connect businesses that have growing relationships. It offers features that make interactions between partners more efficient.

What is the best way to track customer payment issues?

The best way to track customer payment issues is with Method CRM. Method keeps you up to speed with who owes what and when payments are due, so things never get lost in the shuffle.

Method also makes it quick and easy for your sales team to reach out to customers when they have overdue payments. And you can set up automatic payment reminders to prevent issues in the first place.

Interested in a QuickBooks Online portal? Start your free trial of Method CRM today.

Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

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How to keep customers happy with a Xero customer portal

Customer Experience / By

Here’s how to keep customers less frustrated and more satisfied by using a Xero customer portal!

How to keep customers happy with a Xero customer portal Read More »

Are you looking for a way to keep your customers satisfied and less stressed with their payment experience? A Xero customer portal is a great way to reap benefits like fast payment processing, which are sure to keep customers coming back. 

In this article, you’ll learn all the benefits of a Xero customer portal. You’ll also get a step-by-step walk-through on how to create a Xero customer portal. Finally, you’ll see why Method CRM is the best way to make the most out of your Xero software. 

Let’s get started!

Does Xero offer a customer portal?

Xero offers a convenient customer portal that makes it easy to access all your customer information in a centralized area. 

Imagine your customers being able to view invoices, expenses, bills, and bank transactions all in one place. Customers can also connect with Xero support via their customer portal if they have any inquiries.

Let’s take a more detailed look at the benefits of using a Xero portal!

Benefits of a Xero customer invoice portal

With a Xero customer invoice portal, your customers take control of their financial data and transactions while your accounting software stays secure.

Here are some of the advantages:

Get paid faster

Waiting for customers to make payments is a frustrating situation. More importantly, it’s bad for your business. 

With a Xero customer portal solution, you accelerate your cash flow. When customers view their online invoice, they’re able to pay immediately using the ‘Pay now’ button. 

Better yet, you can give customers the choice to pay using debit card, credit card, bank direct debit, and more. With multiple payment options, customers have fewer excuses to delay payments. And you won’t have to waste time chasing them.

Graphic of a phone screen showing a green checkmark to indicate a paid invoice, including payment options such as debit and credit card

Image credit: Xero

The best part is that your customers’ payments are safe since Xero provides multiple layers of security. So they no longer have to worry about fraudulent activity.

Let customers self-serve

Today, customers expect to be able to get things done quickly. The Xero customer portal is designed to make self-service easy. Your customers no longer have to endure frustrating customer experiences with long wait times for assistance. 

Through the portal, customers can take control of their accounts by:

  • Updating their contact information.
  • Managing their account settings.
  • Uploading documents. 

When your customers can handle simple changes on their own, it saves time for both them and your support team. And when you reduce the number of emails and calls for support, your business can focus on handling more critical tasks. 

Not to mention, the Xero customer invoice portal is invaluable for any business looking to manage invoices and track payments. It allows your customers to:

  • Access financial documents securely anytime.
  • Review, approve, and pay invoices online.
  • Download and print invoices. 

Provide 24/7 support

A Xero customer portal allows you to provide 24/7 support, meaning your business is always accessible to customers. If they’re troubleshooting, Xero’s easy-to-use support resources give them the answers they need without requiring the assistance of an employee. 

And if your customers need further help, they can simply connect with Xero support via the Xero customer portal. From there, they can connect to customer service through email and live chat support.

Personalize the customer experience

When your customers log into their customer portal, they have a familiar and user-friendly place to monitor their accounts. This is because the Xero customer portal personalizes the experience for every user. 

As well as accessing their financial data, customers are able to get personalized advice and support that’s specific to their requirements. Now, they can make much more informed decisions about their money. 

How to create a Xero customer portal

Creating a Xero customer portal is an easy way to empower your customers to manage their own accounts. Here’s how you can do it: 

1. Log into Xero and go to the ‘Invoices’ tab.

2. Select ‘Create Customer Portal’ from the options on the left-hand side of the page.

3. Choose the customer from the dropdown list and click ‘Activate’.

4. Enter a name for your customer portal and an optional description.

5. Select the language you’d like your customer to use when accessing their portal.

6. Click ‘Create’.

7. Now share the link with your customer so they can access their Xero customer portal.

It’s as easy as that — your customers can now use the Xero customer portal to manage their own accounts!

Connecting your Xero customer data

The Xero customer invoice portal allows you to connect to your customer data in order to get the insights you need. With a few clicks, you can easily access customers’ information, create invoices, and track payments in real time. 

Thanks to the added security of two-factor authentication, your customers are assured that their data is safe and secure. 

Why Method CRM is the best option for Xero users

If you’re looking to make the most out of your Xero software, then Method CRM is the all-in-one solution for you. It’s a powerful CRM that allows your customers to self-serve through a custom online portal. 

When you spend a few minutes of every day collecting credit card information or reprinting invoices for each of your clients, it adds up fast. Not to mention, it’s tedious and repetitive. Method CRM provides a secure and easy-to-navigate place for your customers to access your business 24/7.

When you give your  customers the flexibility to access invoices and pay beyond business hours through the portal, you face significantly less late payments as a result. And with Method CRM’s online payment gateways, customers have even fewer reasons for delaying payments.

An online customer portal view

Method extends payment options by integrating third-party payment services, such as:

  • Authorize.Net.
  • Shuttle.
  • Moneris. 

So now your customers have more control over how and where they pay, but Method CRM takes it a step further. With a 24/7 customer support portal, customers can connect with you beyond business hours to get help whenever they need it too.

To reduce obstacles even more, payments show up instantly in Xero, so there’s no waiting time for processing! This is what keeps Method CRM ahead of the curve: its two-way sync with Xero. 

This means that those updates to your invoices and any other information in Method CRM instantly reflect in Xero and vice versa. There’s no need to keep re-keying information or worry about inaccurate double-data entry. 

Now, you can spend more time growing your business. Or even take a much-needed break! Whether you’re at your desk or not, your customers can still make payments, bringing cash into your business faster and more reliably. 

With Method CRM, you simplify workflows and save time while keeping your customers happy.

Recap: How a Xero portal keeps your customers happy

A Xero customer invoice portal simplifies your payment process and ensures that your customers stay satisfied, so they keep coming back. 

Take your Xero capabilities to the next level with a CRM solution like Method CRM that gives your customers the power to:

  • Self-serve to view, pay, and download invoices. 
  • Choose from multiple payment options.
  • Enjoy a powerful two-way sync with Xero for automatic processing.

Extend Xero’s potential for your customers with a free trial of Method CRM.

Image credit: Prostock-studio via Adobe

Xero bookkeeping automation: 5 workflows you need to automate

Accounting, Xero / By

Learn how Xero bookkeeping automation can help save time and improve accuracy when you automate these five everyday workflows.

Xero bookkeeping automation: 5 workflows you need to automate Read More »

If you’re running a business of any size, managing bookkeeping can quickly become a time-consuming and often tedious task.

However, with the help of Xero and automation, you can simplify these processes and improve the overall efficiency of your business.

In this article, you’ll discover five Xero bookkeeping automation workflows worth implementing to save time and improve accuracy.

How does Xero automation improve bookkeeping processes?

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that helps you manage your financial data, invoices, expenses, and more.

By integrating Xero with automation tools, you can:

  • Simplify your bookkeeping processes.
  • Reduce manual data entry.
  • Improve the accuracy of your financial records.

Xero can connect to your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial institutions, so your transactions will automatically register in the software.

By leveraging Xero bookkeeping automation, you’ll have an up-to-date view of your finances to easily manage bookkeeping for your business.

You can also integrate Xero with various apps, including CRMs, e-commerce platforms, POS systems, and e-signature platforms.

Overall, integrating Xero with other software will assist you in improving the effectiveness of your bookkeeping, allowing for increased efficiency and preventing human errors.

What tasks can Xero automate?

If you’re looking for efficient and effective ways to streamline your Xero bookkeeping process, integrated apps and software are your best bet.

You can start by automating tasks such as:

  • Syncing transactions.
  • Invoicing and billing.
  • Capturing e-signatures.
  • Payment tracking.
  • Quote-to-cash workflows.

5 Xero workflows you need to automate

Here are five Xero workflows worth automating to simplify and speed up your accounting operations.

1. Syncing transactions

One of the most time-consuming tasks in bookkeeping is reconciling bank transactions. To automate this process, you’ll need to sync transactions to Xero from two sources.

The first source is the bank feed that contains the ‘payouts’ or amounts from e-commerce or POS platforms, such as Shopify or Square deposits. In this instance, the second source would be data directly from Shopify or Square.

A Xero integration like Amaka, for example, can pull data directly from the e-commerce or POS system and sync to Xero, automatically matching translations to the bank feed.

This integration, in particular, can also sync up to 12 months of data so you can catch up on any reconciliations you’ve missed.

2. Invoicing and billing

    Creating invoices and billing clients can be tough to track without a system that collects and aids with this process.

    With Xero’s invoice automation feature, generating and sending invoices to clients is automated. You can:

    • Create custom templates for your invoices.
    • Set up recurring invoices.
    • Automatically send reminders to clients who haven’t paid. 

    There are also integrations that let you sync bills and invoices from Xero to your calendar or Slack. 

    You can give access to other team members, clients, or your accounting professionals so everyone stays in the loop. This automation is invaluable in helping you stay on top of bills and follow up on unpaid invoices.

    Another handy invoicing example of Xero bookkeeping automation is converting estimates to invoices with only a click of a button. This feature helps you prevent duplicate transaction documents and eliminates the need to create invoices manually.

    3. Capturing e-signatures

    For many businesses, capturing signatures digitally for important documents such as bills, purchase orders, expense claims, and quotes is a key process. 

    Through Amaka’s free DocuSign + Xero integration, you can automate the document execution process. This integration will automatically fetch documents from Xero and then transfer them over to DocuSign to be signed by the relevant receiver.

    Once completed, the status updates automatically on both ends, and Xero will save a copy of the document as a PDF.

    4. Payment tracking

    Keeping track of client payments can be challenging, especially if you have multiple invoices with different due dates.

    With Xero’s built-in accounts payable automation, you can see which invoices were paid, which are overdue, and which are pending payment.

    Method CRM is an example of an integration that helps Xero users streamline their payment tracking process.

    It offers payment gateways and even self-service customer portals where your clients can make payments anytime, anywhere.

    This Xero integration also tracks both commission and payouts, so it helps you stay on top of your cash flow and follow up with clients who haven’t paid.

    5. Quote-to-cash

    The quote-to-cash process typically involves creating quotes for clients, generating invoices, and collecting payments.

    This process varies from one business to another, but Xero users can use an integration like Method to automate every step of the workflow.With Method CRM, you can create custom templates for quotes and set up recurring invoices for regular clients, saving you both time and effort you can spend growing your practice.

    Recap: Xero bookkeeping automation

    Xero bookkeeping automation can improve your financial processes by reducing manual data entry and automating repetitive tasks.

    Each of the workflows mentioned in this blog would typically take you or your accountant a significant time investment. But by using integrations for workflow automation, you can easily remain on top of your business’ bookkeeping processes. 

    Start automating your way to stress-free days with your free trial of Method!

    Image credit: pressfoto via freepik

    Smiling young businesswomen using a laptop together in an office.

    Top 7 Xero commission tracking CRM solutions

    Sales, Xero / By

    Here are the best software options for Xero users looking to track sales commissions.

    Top 7 Xero commission tracking CRM solutions Read More »

    Xero is a popular cloud-based software that makes it easy to manage all your business’ finances in one place. With its wide range of features, it’s no wonder Xero is among the most popular options for accounting software. 

    But when it comes to Xero commission tracking, there are limitations. That’s why you need a CRM that integrates with Xero to track sales commissions more efficiently. A CRM takes your sales tracking process to the next level. 

    In this blog, you’ll learn how Xero commission tracking works, and the biggest benefits of integrating Xero with a CRM. You’ll also explore the top 7 software for Xero commission tracking and sales tracking. 

    Can I use Xero to track sales commissions?

    Using its tracking feature, you can set up commission structures for Xero to track sales commissions. You can then generate invoices and payments for your sales staff. 

    But while you can capture sales commissions within Xero, the system can’t track sales performance with sales goals or quotas. And Xero can only capture sales commission-related invoices, orders, and receipts. It doesn’t allow you to track sales commissions beyond that.

    How does Xero commission tracking work?

    To use Xero to track sales commissions, you need to manually set up your sales representatives as a tracking category in Xero. 

    You can export a filtered sales report per tracking category and apply your commission percentage manually. Xero does not have a built-in function for this. 

    As this is a necessary, basic functionality for businesses, using a sales commission software for Xero commission tracking is the ideal solution. 

    And although you can add as many employees as you like to your sales commission tracking category, it’s important to note that Xero allows a maximum of just two categories. If you have pre-existing categories, this can be a challenge. 

    Sounds complicated, right? Well, this is the reality of Xero commission tracking. 

    Why should I integrate Xero with a CRM?

    Integrating a CRM with Xero to track sales commissions overcomes many of the limitations of the accounting software. Additionally, a CRM can take your sales process and business to the next level with the following benefits. 

    Meet your customers’ needs

    With Xero CRM integrations, you consolidate your information in one place to understand your customers’ behavior and enhance your relationship with them. 

    Plus, you can take advantage of segmented customer lists and added marketing capabilities such as automation to target specific customers with special offers and discounts. 

    Integrating Xero with a CRM boosts customer loyalty and retention. Your customers feel valued because of your personalized offers tailored to their needs. 

    Optimize your sales process

    Meeting your customers’ needs is essential, but so is being efficient. With a CRM for Xero commission tracking, you save time on the manual process of inputting and sending data from Xero to your CRM. 

    Integrating with a CRM saves you time so that you can increase your output. And by automating processes like lead generation, your sales team can focus on what’s important to them – closing deals. 

    And your sales team’s productivity immediately improves once they no longer need to switch between tabs and programs. 

    Make data-driven decisions

    CRMs are proven to increase revenue as well as customer loyalty. And a large part of this success comes from the data they provide you.

    Once you connect all your information to a centralized location (your CRM), you can recognize what works and where you can improve. This allows you to make better-informed decisions to boost your bottom line. 

    Go beyond Xero’s sales tracking limitations

    Xero can only track sales prospects once they become paying customers. It’s also unable to measure the effectiveness of sales activities or campaigns in creating customer interest and loyalty. But combining a Xero CRM and sales tracking system can overcome these limitations.

    Xero’s commission tracking capabilities are limited as well. For example, you can’t track sales commission-related transactions across multiple sales reps or departments. But with a CRM, you can run calculations across all sales reps in your company in just a few clicks. 

    Additionally, Xero doesn’t have functionality for calculating sales commissions based on complex rules and criteria that exist for some companies. That’s why integrating a CRM with Xero to track sales commissions is crucial.

    And finally, a Xero CRM and sales tracking allows extended reporting capabilities. Whereas this isn’t a feature in Xero, you can generate detailed reports to track sales and sales commissions with a CRM. 

    Top 7 Xero commission tracking CRM software

    1. Method CRM

    Method CRM is the first on our list of the top CRMs for Xero to track sales commissions. The software allows custom Xero commission tracking to fit each business’ unique sales process. 

    Also, its comprehensive suite of features makes it the ideal Xero CRM and sales tracking software. 

    Key features

    • Powerful, two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero to eliminate double-data entry.
    • Customizable commission calculator to suit your business needs.
    • Best Xero CRM integration that pulls sales and customer information to make calculations easier.

    Benefits

    • Two-way Xero sync. 
    • Unlimited customization.
    • Reusable email, report, and transaction templates.
    • Several third-party integrations such as Gmail, Zapier, and Outlook.
    • Great CRM customization support services for complex commission structures.

    Limitations

    • Only available in English. 
    • Limited to QuickBooks and Xero users. 

    Pricing

    • Contact Management: $25 per user per month.
    • CRM Pro: $44 per user per month.
    • CRM Enterprise: $74 per user per month.

    2. Agile CRM

    Screenshot of an Agile CRM dashboard.

    Image credit: Agile CRM

    Next on our list is Agile CRM, an all-in-one CRM that automates your sales, marketing, and service in one platform. Although Agile CRM doesn’t include options specific to sales commission tracking, it simplifies sales tracking with its impressive features. 

    Key features

    • Drag-and-drop workflow to drag deals between milestones. 
    • Create multiple tracks with different milestones for each track. 
    • Add deal nodes and triggers to automate follow-ups. 

    Benefits

    • Includes gamification to improve employee efficiency.
    • Fast and efficient technical support. 
    • Easy integration with other software. 

    Limitations

    • Email builder is inflexible and requires workarounds. 
    • Lacks on-demand educational resources for advanced features. 

    Pricing

    Agile CRM is free for up to 10 users. Beyond that, the software includes the following pricing plans:

    • Starter: $8.99 
    • Regular: $29.99
    • Enterprise: $47.99

    3. Capsule

    Overview of a calendar page on Pipedrive CRM software interface. It shows a lead's account information and recent history of calls.

    Image credit: CRM.org

    Similar to Agile CRM, Capsule is not used for Xero commission tracking. But it’s an ideal solution in terms of Xero CRM and sales tracking that makes the most of every sales opportunity that comes your way with its range of features. 

    Key features

    • Customizable visual sales pipeline to show sales opportunities.
    • Sales dashboard that shows pipeline forecast and conversion rate. 
    • Activity reports that show metrics like calls, notes, and emails. 

    Benefits

    • Easy to use and intuitive. 
    • Includes a robust contact management system. 
    • Highly flexible and customizable. 
    • Includes an efficient mobile app. 

    Limitations

    • Lacks key third-party applications to meet customer needs. 
    • Dashboard and user interface need improvement. 

    Pricing

    Capsule offers three pricing options:

    • Enterprise: $54 per user per month.
    • Teams: $36 per user per month. 
    • Professional: $18 per user per month. 

    It also offers a 14-day free trial. No card required. 

    SalesCookie dashboard

    Image credit: Sales Cookie

    Next up on our list of Xero commission tracking software is Sales Cookie. It’s a powerful software that makes it easy to design and manage sales incentive plans — including complex ones. 

    Key features

    • Personalized dashboard for each sales rep that includes goals, crediting, and rewards.
    • Communication tools for payees to enroll in incentive plans, submit inquiries, and more.  
    • Run one-shot commission calculations across all reps. 

    Benefits

    • Intuitive and user-friendly interface. 
    • Efficient and responsive customer support. 
    • Accommodates complex compensation plans.

    Limitations

    • Only available in English. 
    • Lacks a range of features to meet customer needs. 

    Pricing

    The Xero commission tracking software offers the following pricing plans:

    • Business: $30 per user per month. 
    • Business+ : $50 per user per month. 

    Sales Cookie also offers a 14-day free trial of the software. 

    5. Pepper Cloud

    Pepper Cloud screenshot

    Image credit: Pepper Cloud CRM

    Pepper Cloud is another great integration for Xero CRM and sales tracking. It connects all your customers from a central platform to interact, respond, and close deals faster. 

    Key features

    • Customizable fields, stages, and pipelines for unique needs.
    • Intuitive sales leaderboard to display top and bottom opportunities.
    • Performance reports with real-time stats. 

    Benefits

    • Several third-party integrations such as Gmail, Mailchimp, and Outlook.
    • Highly customizable to suit your business needs. 
    • Multi-layered security to protect your data.

    Limitations

    • Lacks live customer support. 
    • Limited reporting capabilities.

    Pricing

    Pepper Cloud does not include pricing information on their website, but you can contact them for information. 

    6. Insightly

    Insightly dashboard

    Image credit: Insightly

    Insightly streamlines the day-to-day operations of your business with its full suite of sales tracking and management features.

    Key features

    • Custom fields to store data that don’t fit into premade fields. 
    • Ability to create graphs and data visualizations in minutes. 
    • Advanced lead management tools. 

    Benefits

    • Intuitive customization abilities. 
    • Highly adaptable to existing workflows. 
    • Generates clear and easy-to-read reports. 
    • Great email campaign and tracking features. 

    Limitations

    • Requires extra payment for live support. 
    • Custom reporting and dashboard options only allow a top-level overview of your business
    • Lacks customization ability to build your own boards. 

    Pricing

    • Plus plan: $29 per user per month.
    • Professional plan: $49 per user per month.
    • Enterprise: $99 per user per month.

    Insightly also offers a free plan, but it only allows two users and has limited features.

    7. Copper

    Screenshot of a Copper CRM dashboard.

    Image credit: Empirical Data

    Copper automates sales tracking throughout your entire sales funnel, with capabilities that allow you to increase efficiency and close more deals. 

    Key features

    • Easy-to-build pipeline views of sales activities. 
    • Trigger notifications for when action is needed from your team. 
    • Add leads, update deals, and create Google Calendar events from your Gmail inbox. 

    Benefits

    • Very intuitive as it works like your favorite Google apps. 
    • Seamless integration with Google suite.
    • Simple and easy-to-follow help resources such as articles. 

    Limitations

    • Weak customer service. 
    • Constant updates result in how-to resources becoming quickly outdated. 

    Pricing

    Copper offers a free 14-day trial for all of its plans. Beyond the free trial, the following pricing plans are available:

    • Basic: $29 per user per month. 
    • Professional: $49 per user per month. 
    • Business $99 per user per month. 

    Bottom line: Why Xero CRM and sales tracking go hand in hand

    Xero CRM and sales tracking go hand in hand because they give you the visibility and control necessary to grow your customer base. 

    Software such as Method CRM allows you to simplify your Xero commission tracking, monitor leads, and improve the progress of your sales reps with features such as:

    • A powerful two-way sync with Xero.
    • The ability to make custom commission calculations to suit your unique needs. 
    Custom commission tracker screen in Method CRM

    Xero commission tracking FAQs

    Can I use Xero as my CRM?

    Although Xero helps you keep track of customer inquiries and organize contacts, it does not offer the same range of features as a dedicated CRM.

    It lacks basic customer relationship management capabilities such as contact segmentation, lead scoring, and automated marketing campaigns. 

    Additionally, Xero’s reporting capabilities are limited compared to CRMs that provide more in-depth analytics and insights into customer behavior. There are also several limitations when using Xero to track sales commissions. 

    What does sales commission tracking software do?

    Sales commission tracking software automates calculating and tracking commissions based on your business’ commission model and other defined metrics, such as frequency and taxes. 

    With the help of software, companies can easily calculate how much to pay in terms of sales commissions. 

    Using software such as Xero commission tracking makes tracking, managing, and analyzing sales commissions in one place easy. Along with a CRM, businesses of any size can save time and money by automating commission calculations.

    What are the benefits of Xero CRM?

    Xero CRM helps your business increase efficiency and improve customer relationships. With Xero CRM, you can keep track of clients, contacts, and leads in one place. 

    As well as that, you can manage tasks and automate processes to make customer interactions faster and smoother. Xero CRM also allows you to create custom reports quickly to gain valuable insights on your business performance. 

    Additionally, you can use Xero to track sales commissions effectively with a CRM. Whereas Xero commission tracking has some limitations, a Xero CRM is a solution that automates commission tracking and provides real-time insight into sales performance.

    Simplify my commission tracking with a free trial of Method CRM!

    Image credit: Flamingo Images via Adobe Stock

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    Why you need sales commission software: Top 5 solutions

    Sales / By

    Explore how sales commission software helps your business, and the top five sales commission software solutions.

    Why you need sales commission software: Top 5 solutions Read More »

    Sales commissions are a valuable part of the compensation plan for the average salesperson. But tracking and accurately paying out more than a few commissions every month can become challenging to keep up with. 

    That’s where sales commission tracking software comes in. 

    This article explores how sales commission software helps your business, and the top five sales commission software solutions.

    Keep reading to find out why investing in one is the right move for your business.

    What is sales commission software?

    Sales commission software allows you to create, manage, and track compensation, commissions, and incentives for your sales team. 

    The sales commission tracking software automates calculating and tracking commissions based on your business commission model and other defined metrics, such as frequency and taxes. 

    But how exactly does a sales commission tracker help your business? 

    How sales commission tracking software helps your business

    Using commission tracking software streamlines the process of tracking and paying commissions to your sales teams. 

    By simplifying the process of attributing sales to particular individuals or teams, sales commission software can maximize your revenue.

    And the right software not only saves you time and money but keeps everyone on your team on the same page.

    Automating the tracking of sales commission payouts helps your company ensure your employees are compensated fairly and accurately. 

    As a result, your sales team is more motivated and focused on winning more deals. 

    Aside from your employees being able to easily track , you get to analyze your team’s performance in real time. With detailed insights, you can even analyze the data to find areas of opportunity and improvement for future sales strategies. 

    Benefits of using a sales commission tracker

    So you’ve seen how using sales commission software is the best way to stay up to date with what your sales reps earn and boost efficiency overall for your business. 

    Now let’s delve deeper into some of the biggest benefits of a sales commission tracker.

    More accurate payouts

    One of the top reasons to use sales commission tracking software is to increase the accuracy of your payouts.

    With sales commission software, you have a tested and repeatable process for tracking and paying out commissions. As a result, fewer errors are likely. 

    Greater transparency

    Your sales team works daily to bring in those leads. So it’s vital to show you’re keeping track of their earnings continuously and accurately. 

    A sales commission tracker lets your salespeople monitor their commissions over time. If there’s any doubt about their payout or where they currently stand, a salesperson needs only look into the sales commission software. 

    Time-savings

    Think about how much time you spend each month calculating a salesperson’s commission payout manually. Even worse, you might have to start over again if you notice mistakes, like forgetting to track some earned commissions. 

    With sales commission software, you no longer have to go back and tabulate all sales and fix mistakes that consume your time.

    A sales commission management system saves you time as it automates the sales commission calculation workflow. 

    Improved insights

    Finally, your sales commission software gives important insights into your sales team’s performance over time.

    The data you generate through the sales commission tracker helps you understand how your commission payouts evolve. This way, you get a better idea of whether you need to make changes to improve your bottom line.

    How to choose the best sales commission tracking software for you

    Your choice of the best sales commission tracking software will depend on your business needs and budget.

    However, here are some important things to consider on your journey to finding the right software for your needs:

    Commission calculation: Some software allows you to set rules and commissions for each sales rep. When you have different commission structures and representatives – which is usually the case – this becomes very useful. 

    Commission scheduling: You can set up scheduled payments to go out weekly, monthly, or even quarterly, depending on payment terms and how your employees get paid.

    Commission tracking: Your ideal sales commission software allows you to track commissions and overrides while creating clear reports, ensuring transparency to everyone, from sales reps to key stakeholders. 

    Integrations: To ensure seamless data flow and accuracy without switching programs, you’ll want software that integrates with your existing systems. 

    Top 5 sales commission software solutions

    1. Method

    If you use popular accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero, you’ll know that tracking and calculating commission isn’t simple. 

    Luckily, Method offers a fully-customizable commission tracker to automate your process.  

    Key features

    • Powerful two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero to eliminate double-data entry.
    • Customizable QuickBooks commission calculator to suit your business needs.
    • Best QuickBooks CRM integration that pulls sales and customer information to make calculations easier.

    Benefits

    • CRM comes with many tools, including job scheduling and data management.
    • Automates other parts of the sales process, including lead management. 
    • Customizable to fit each business’s unique sales process. 
    • Great CRM customization support services for complex commission structures.

    Limitations

    • Only available in English. 
    • Limited to QuickBooks and Xero users. 

    Pricing

    Method offers the following pricing plans:

    • Contact Management: $25 per user per month.
    • CRM Pro: $44 per user per month.
    • CRM Enterprise: $74 per user per month.

    2. Tipalti

    Tipalti product shot

    Image credit: G2

    Tipalti is an incredible cloud-based accounting management solution that automates the accounts payable process. It offers a variety of sales commission software features: 

    Key features

    • Ability to send payments at scale in minutes. 
    • Efficient payment methods including PayPal and Global ACH.
    • Capability to validate payment and banking data in real-time using 26,000 banking rules.
    • Trigger payments to your payee base with performance analytics.

    Benefits

    • Payouts in 120 currencies and 190 countries. 
    • Quick and easy setup and integrations.
    • Great customer support. 

    Limitations

    • User interface is outdated and requires improvement.
    • Requires additional customizations to meet customer needs.

    Pricing

    Pricing starts at $149 per month.

    3. Varicent

    Varicent product shot

    Image credit: Varicent

    Varicent is a powerful and intuitive sales commission software designed for companies with 50-1,000 sellers. 

    Key features

    • Built-in analytics and monitoring tools for individual and team performance insights.
    • Interactive compensation statements accessible on any device.
    • AI-predicted sales and payout forecasts.

    Benefits

    • Powerful calculation engine that delivers fast results and insights.
    • Quick responses from the support team.
    • Highly customizable and scalable system. 

    Limitations

    • Setup and configuration can be difficult for companies with limited IT resources or experience.
    • Learning curve to use some of the tools. 
    • Reports are not user-friendly.

    Pricing

    Varicent does not offer set pricing plans. You’ll need to reach out to their sales team for a personalized quote.

    4. Compass

    Compass product shot

    Image credit: Xoxoday Compass

    Compass is a low-code sales commission software that allows you to set up, manage, and maintain incentive plans easily.

    Key features

    • Quick on-the-go adjustments to any incentive calculations.
    • Connect sales and pipeline data with commission tiers for real-time insights.
    • Simulation experiments with hypothetical data to improve the incentive structure. 

    Benefits

    • Great range of features and user-friendly dashboard.
    • Gamification makes incentive programs enjoyable.
    • Great support team. 
    • Sales reps can view their payouts in any of the 82 global currencies available. 

    Limitations

    • Limited customization abilities to meet user’s specific needs. 
    • Advanced functions may require assistance from the support team.

    Pricing

    Compass does not offer set pricing plans. You’ll need to reach out to their sales team for a personalized quote.

    5. Core Commissions

    Core Commission product shot

    Image credit: Core Commissions

    Last (but not least) on our list of top sales commission software is Core Commissions.

    Core Commissions is an ideal solution for managers who want an easy interface for creating rules and reports without much programming. 

    Key features

    • Drag and drop to set up commission rules and reports.
    • Core Portal lets sales reps access real-time commission reports and stats.
    • Single view displaying every step of a calculation. 

    Benefits

    • Intuitive interface and rule-building.
    • Handles complex commissioning plans.
    • Great customer service.

    Limitations

    • Lacks a centralized location for viewing reports.
    • Considerable learning curve for some of the features.
    • Required minimum of payees.

    Pricing

    Core Commissions offers the following pricing plans:

    • Launch: starts at $12 per payee per month.
    • Enterprise: $25 per payee per month. 
    • Managed services: starts at +$5 per payee per month. 

    Bottom line: Why you need sales commission tracking software

    Calculating your sales team’s payouts manually each month is time-consuming and tedious. 

    Even with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero, calculating commissions is complicated. That’s why you need sales commission tracking software.

    With a solution such as Method, track commission amounts easily using features such as:

    • Powerful two-way sync with QuickBooks and Xero.
    • Customizable commission calculator tailored to your business needs.
    • Customization support for complex commission structures. 

    Simplify my commission tracking with a free trial of Method!

    Image credit: VadimGuzhva via Adobe Stock

    Woman and man looking at a computer

    How to perfect your QuickBooks commission tracking process

    QuickBooks, Sales / By

    QuickBooks commission tracking is essential for accurate payroll and full transparency. Learn how to strengthen your process in this article.

    How to perfect your QuickBooks commission tracking process Read More »

    Paying sales commissions to your employees is the best way to incentivize them. After all, when your sales reps perform their best, your business succeeds.

    However, tracking commission often feels like a job all on its own, especially if QuickBooks is your main accounting software. Thankfully, there are ways around this difficulty to ensure that your QuickBooks payroll always runs smoothly.

    In this article, you’ll learn how to strengthen your QuickBooks commission tracking process to save time and increase accuracy. Plus, you’ll discover the sales commission tracking software QuickBooks users can’t live without. 

    What is commission tracking and why is it important?

    Commission tracking is the process of recording your employees’ commission in preparation for payroll.

    Commission tracking is important because it ensures that your employees get paid accurately and on time. This is especially true if your employees are paid entirely by commissions. 

    For QuickBooks users, commission tracking can be difficult as there is no built-in QuickBooks commission calculator. However, you can still record commission in QuickBooks in a way that benefits the QuickBooks commission tracking process. 

    How to set up QuickBooks commission tracking

    Learning how to track commissions in QuickBooks starts with understanding how to set up commissions in QuickBooks. 

    How you set up commission depends on which version of QuickBooks you use. To cover all of the bases, let’s take a look at how to set up commission in QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop.

    For QuickBooks Online users

    In QuickBooks Online, you can set up commission as an employee’s salary or as additional pay.

    Here’s how to start:

    1. From the ‘Payroll’ menu, go to ‘Employees’.
    2. Select your employee.
    3. You should see ‘Pay Types’. Select ‘Start’ or ‘Edit’.

    For employee salary, you then select ‘Commission only’ from the ‘Pay types’ drop down menu, then hit ‘Save’. For additional pay, look for the ‘Common pay types’ section and select ‘Commission’.

    For QuickBooks Desktop users

    Learning how to track sales commission in QuickBooks Desktop starts with setting up a commission pay item. Here’s how to do that:

    1. From ‘Lists’, select ‘Payroll Item List’.
    2. Under the ‘Payroll Item’ drop-down menu, click ‘New’.
    3. Select ‘Custom Setup’, then click ‘Next’.
    4. Select ‘Wage’, then click ‘Next’.
    5. Select ‘Commission’, then click ‘Next’.
    6. Enter the name of the item, then click ‘Next’.
    7. Select the appropriate Expense account for the item, then click ‘Next’ and ‘Finish’.

    Then, you have to add this newly created commission pay item to your employee’s profile:

    1. Under ‘Employees’, select ‘Employee Center’.
    2. Click on the appropriate employee.
    3. Select ‘Payroll Info’.
    4. In ‘Earnings’, add the payroll item that you created in Step 1, then click ‘OK’.

    Once you have this process down, QuickBooks commission tracking becomes easier. Let’s dive into some tips for tracking commission.

    How to ensure accurate commission tracking in QuickBooks

    Without a built-in QuickBooks commission calculator, tracking commission can be a challenge. 

    That said, while ensuring that commission is properly recorded in QuickBooks, you can also extend your QuickBooks commission tracking process to include sales commission software, such as a third-party QuickBooks commission calculator. 

    There are a variety of commission calculators that integrate with QuickBooks available, such as:

    However, before using any of these commission calculator integrations, it’s important to take all information into account to avoid common mistakes. 

    Common mistakes when using QuickBooks commission calculators

    Here are a few common mistakes made when using QuickBooks commission calculators:

    • Not understanding your commission structure: Some commission calculators work best with certain commission payout structures. It’s important to have a solid grasp on your commission needs before using software.
    • Inefficient QuickBooks sync: Your commission calculator must sync to QuickBooks to truly benefit your business. Some software have a better QuickBooks sync than others. It’s crucial that the information is accurate both in your calculator and QuickBooks account.
    • Forgetting about reporting: Not every commission calculator has built-in report features, or the specific reporting capabilities you need. 

    The best way to avoid these drawbacks and guarantee a smooth QuickBooks commission tracking process is to use flexible commission tracking software. Let’s take a look at the features in commission tracking software that QuickBooks users flock to.  

    QuickBooks commission tracking software features and benefits

    When searching for the best commission tracking software for QuickBooks, it’s important to consider the solution’s features, and the potential benefits to your business. 

    Here are some features to look out for in a QuickBooks commission tracker:

    • Customization: Out-of-the-box solutions are hard to mold to your business practices. Commission tracking software should have customization capabilities to allow you to make it your own.
    • Smooth sync capabilities: Commission tracking software should automatically sync with QuickBooks to give you the most up-to-date information. It’s a bonus if the software has a two-way QuickBooks sync so that you don’t risk double data entry.
    • Solid reporting capability: The best software should provide you with valuable reporting. This includes generating reports on commission, sales, and your overall business performance.
    • Native integrations: The top performing software shouldn’t just improve your QuickBooks commission tracking process. It should extend the power of QuickBooks by allowing for further integrations, such as email and calendar integrations. 

    The features above result in a number of benefits to your commission tracking process and overall business. Top benefits include:

    • Flexibility to switch up your commission structure if needed.
    • Transparency for your sales reps.
    • More accurate commission calculations. 
    • Quicker commission payments to sales reps. 
    • Central system for all of your QuickBooks payroll. 

    Luckily, there’s one sales commission software solution that provides QuickBooks users with all of this and more. 

    Enhance QuickBooks commission tracking with Method

    Here are your three main takeaways for the QuickBooks commission tracking process:

    1. There is no built-in QuickBooks commission calculator. 
    2. Commission and reporting go hand-in-hand.
    3. Sales commission software strengthens your QuickBooks commission process. 

    For a sales commission software that tracks your commission and automates the overall process, try Method.

    Method is a commission tracking software QuickBooks users know and love. Method’s customizable platform allows you to develop a personalized QuickBooks commission calculator, sales commission app, and more. Method is also flexible enough to grow with your business and your sales team’s success. 

    Custom commission tracker screen in Method CRM

    Better yet, Method’s reporting capabilities allow you to generate commission and sales reports to gain a better understanding of your business. You can use this data to evaluate your sales team’s performance and determine the effectiveness of your pay structure. 

    To top it all off, Method’s two-way QuickBooks sync ensures that commission information is always up-to-date and your sales reps get a real-time view of their progress. 

    Bring your QuickBooks commission tracking to a new level with Method. Start your free trial today!

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