eInvoicing works for any business size – especially small businesses
For small businesses already using eInvoicing ready software, getting set up can be surprisingly simple.
TJ Pest Termination found getting started to send and receive eInvoices through their Xero account straightforward.
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Background
TJ Pest Termination is a small, owner-operated pest control business serving farmers and forestry companies in Northland and Waikato.
Over the last seven years, the business has grown from a hobby, helping set up farmers with traps, to a pest control partnership covering some 26,000ha. TJ Pest Termination is operated by Tina and her partner with the help of two sub-contractors.
As with any small business, day-to-day office tasks like invoicing, and the minor inefficiencies that can come with that, can add up and suck valuable time.
Sending eInvoices from Xero – so easy
When Tina saw sending eInvoices as an easy option from her Xero account, she decided to give it a go.
“It looked like it could be easier.”
Within 12 months, Tina had sent around 50 eInvoices to customers set up to receive them. With eInvoices going straight into her customers’ accounting system, she is reassured to know her invoices won’t be overlooked.
Since then, Tina has increased the number of customers she sends eInvoices to, as more businesses are registered to receive eInvoices.
As a Xero user, this couldn’t be easier for Tina as she can see when creating an invoice whether the client can receive eInvoices or not. If they are, there is no need to contact them, just go ahead and send an eInvoice.
A tip for registering to receive eInvoices
Tina has also set up her business to receive eInvoices. This is a very simple process involving registering on the eInvoicing network via her Xero account.
Though there was one small catch – and a good thing to be aware of for small business wanting to register. As part of registration, it automatically checks the New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) directory to validate the business. If certain details are set to private, registration will fail.
Because TJ Pest Termination was originally set up as a sole trader, its NZBN entity name was by default set to ‘private’. So, Tina needed to login to her NZBN account and change it to public, then the registration process proceeded smoothly.
Switching to eInvoices is easy for small businesses
Overall, Tina’s experience shows if you’re using an eInvoicing supported accounting system, making the switch from PDF invoices is an easy win.
There are no big changes required to how the business operates day-to-day, just a smarter way of invoicing.
eInvoicing isn’t just for large organisations, it’s particularly valuable for very small businesses where time and cashflow are critical. Even with a low volume of invoices, the benefits can quickly outweigh the minimal effort of getting set up.
Tina’s advice to other small businesses?
“Try it – it’s much easier than you think.”