Not all invoicing software is the same, and for mechanics and auto shops, it shouldn’t be difficult to find the right software for you. We’ve included nine of the top invoicing software in this article to help you find the best invoicing software for your auto business.
Top Nine Invoicing Software for Mechanics
- Freshbooks- Best Invoicing Software for Automated Billing
- Contasimple- Best Invoicing Software for Self-Employed Mechanics
- Shopmonkey- Best Invoicing Software for Real-Time Reporting
- GaragePlug- Best Invoicing Software for Apple Compatibility
- AutoFluent- Best Invoicing Software for Data Management
- Zoho Books- Best Invoicing Software for Accounting Features
- QuickBooks- Best Overall Invoicing Software
- AutoLeap- Best Most Flexible Invoicing Software for Mechanics
- Autoshop- Best Free Invoicing Software for Mechanics
1. Freshbooks – Best Invoicing Software for Automated Billing
Pricing: Free 30-day trial option; paid version starts at $15 per month
Freshbooks is an affordable software option that speeds up the invoice and financial processes with automated tasks. Accounting features are available for higher paid plans, but the basic plan option features many key invoicing features, including payment solutions, auto billing, and a time tracker. You can also use Freshbooks to help keep track of your business’ health with custom reporting.
Key Features:
- Expense management
- Payment solutions for online
- Auto billing
- Late payment fee feature
- Automated tasks
- Time tracker
Reasons to Buy:
- No accounting knowledge needed
- Great option for small businesses and freelance mechanics
- Intuitive interface and easy to use
- Custom pricing available
- Unlimited invoice and expense entries creation
- Includes health reports for your business
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limit on how many users and clients you can have
- No accountant services for the lowest pay plan
2. Contasimple – Best Invoicing Software for Self-Employed Mechanics
Pricing: Free trial and free version available; paid version starts at $8.50 per month
Contasimple is one invoicing software that was designed specifically for auto shops and mechanics. This option is perfect for self-employed mechanics, as well, as it includes all the features one needs to start and maintain their small business. Contasimple’s price point is quite affordable, but is also widely accessible because of its free version.
Key Features:
- Web-based
- Mobile compatible
- Billing portal
- Multi-currency
- Tax calculator
- Contact databased
Reasons to Buy:
- Email and phone support available
- Compatible with all mobile device types
- Invoices are customizable
- Billing can be one time or set to recurring
- Great option for self-employed mechanics
Reasons to Avoid:
- Designed for smaller businesses
- Cannot make payments from the app
- No 24/7 support option
3. Shopmonkey – Best Invoicing Software for Real-Time Reporting
Pricing: Starts at $124.99 per month
Shopmonkey is a great invoicing software because of its integration with QuickBooks, which provides easy access to various accounting features. The price point, however, signals that Shopmonkey is better suited for well-established auto shops, but this option is easy to use. Shopmonkey has also been held in high regard for its customer support and billing processes.
Key Features:
- Templates
- Time-tracker
- Inventory management
- QuickBooks integration
- Email feature
- Payment processing
- Real-time reporting
Reasons to Buy:
- Web-based and mobile compatible
- Easy to learn and use
- Highly-rated customer support
- Makes billing processes simple and fast
Reasons to Avoid:
- No free trial or plan option
4. GaragePlug – Best Invoicing Software for Apple Compatibility
Pricing: Free trial and free version available; paid version starts at $200 per month, per feature
GaragePlug is a simple invoicing software that includes all the features you need, including accounting tools, digital signature reader, and inventory management. This option doesn’t require you to agree to a long-term contract and custom pricing is available for your specific needs.
Key Features:
- Barcode scanning
- Digital signatures
- Web-based with mobile compatibility
- Accounting
- Inventory management
- Quote creation
- VIN search
Reasons to Buy:
- No long-term contracts
- Custom pricing available
- Works on both Android and Apple devices
- Can manage work orders and inventory
- Able to check history of past service provided
- Set labor rates
Reasons to Avoid:
- Errors will appear if the software isn’t up to date
- Record generation can be delayed at times
- Lack of priority task alerts
5. AutoFluent – Best Invoicing Software for Data Management
Pricing: Free trial available; starts at $95 per month
AutoFluent is best known for its data-related management and tracking features, as this invoicing option goes beyond simple invoice tools. With AutoFluent, you can also track inventory, share data, management your fleets, and manage work orders. This software option is best for Windows and Linus users, as AutoFluent isn’t Apple device compatible.
Key Features:
- Cloud-hosting
- Data-sharing
- Fleet management
- Data conversion
- Inventory management
- Quote creation
- Service history
- Maintenance scheduling
Reasons to Buy:
- Integrates with many vendors and guides
- Both web-based and can be use on-premise for Windows and Linux
- Look up VIN and past service history
- Mange work orders and inventory
- Set labor rates
Reasons to Avoid:
- No Apple device compatibility
- Cannot adjust/change an existing, finalized invoice
6. Zoho Books – Best Invoicing Software for Accounting Features
Pricing: Free plan available for specific businesses; paid plans start at $15 per month, billed annually
Zoho Books offers 24-hour support, during the week days, and provides task automation for fast invoice processes. With Zoho Books, you can provide clients with auto-payment reminders, and provide extensive accounting features to all users. This software also provides extensive management and tracking features.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based
- Auto payment reminders
- Invoice, charges, and expenses management
- Seven payment partners
- Time and work order tracker
- Integration with other software
Reasons to Buy:
- User-friendly
- In-depth accounting features
- 24/5 customer support
- Automates tasks
- All paid plans allow multiple users
Reasons to Avoid:
- There are limited non-Zoho app integration options
- Payroll syncing is restricted to three states in the United States
7. QuickBooks – Best Overall Invoicing Software
Pricing: Free trial; plans start at $25 per month
Although QuickBooks isn’t designed specifically for mechanics, it is one of the top invoicing and accounting software options on the market and is fitting for all businesses. Quickbooks automatically backs up your information, providing automated tasks and built-in reporting features. However, it costs more to add inventory management and time tracking features.
Key Features:
- Auto back up
- Auto tasks
- Reporting built-in function
- Mobile app
- Auto deductions
- Send invoices
- Track expenses
- Send custom estimates
Reasons to Buy:
- Access to live bookkeepers
- Offers many integrations
- In-depth reporting and record-keeping features
- Mobile app available
- Offers many features
Reasons to Avoid:
- Small learning curve
- Costs more if you want access to time-tracking and inventory management
8. AutoLeap – Best Most Flexible Invoicing Software for Mechanics
Pricing: Free trial available; price not provided
AutoLeap features a dashboard that is simple to use, in addition to its unique photo and video sharing capabilities. AutoLeap also has an integration with Quickbooks, which makes the invoice process easier. You can set appointment auto-reminders for clients and convert your estimates to invoices with AutoLeap.
Key Features:
- Digital estimates
- Estimate to invoice conversion
- Auto appointment reminders
- QuickBooks integration
- Photo, video and note sharing capabilities
- Service history
- Inventory and work order management
Reasons to Buy:
- Compatible with all computers and mobile devices
- 24/7 customer support
- Highly flexible software
- Easy to use dashboard feature
Reasons to Avoid:
- Mobile version isn’t at user-friendly
- Missing features said to be included
9. Autoshop – Best Free Invoicing Software for Mechanics
Pricing: Free trial and version available; paid plan pricing not provided
Autoshop can be used through the web browser, or on-premise with Windows desktops. Autoshop provides basic features necessary to operate a mechanics’ shop, including VIN lookup, work order management, and custom quote creation. You will need to make a request to view their pricing.
Key Features:
- Order management
- Vehicle monitoring
- Drag and drop schedule builder
- Built-in accounting with integrations
- VIN search filter
- Inventory management
Reasons to Buy:
- Web-based, on-premise and mobile compatible
- Create quotes
- Set labor rates
- Excellent customer service
Reasons to Avoid:
- Pricing for paid plans not transparent
- Software can be a struggle to learn
- Dated interface
- Not useable for Apple, Linux or Chromebook desktops