Guide
Choosing an invoicing app as a UK sole trader or small trade business
Updated 24 October 2026
Search for the best invoicing app and you will find long lists written by people who have never priced a job. Here is a short checklist from the point of view of a tradesperson who wants to win work and get paid without losing their evenings.
1. Works properly on your phone
If you cannot send a quote from the van before you leave the driveway, you will end up doing it at the kitchen table at 10pm. Try creating a quote one-handed before you commit.
2. Saved items and templates
Your common jobs and prices should be a few taps away. Templates also let someone else in the business put together a quote without the pricing living only in your head.
3. Quotes the customer can accept online
A link they can open, read and accept with one tap converts better than a PDF attachment they have to reply to. Options, such as good, better and best, help too.
4. Automatic quote follow-ups
Most invoicing apps forget about the quote once it is sent. Follow-ups win back jobs you have already priced. See how to follow up a quote.
5. Deposits and card payments
You should be able to raise a deposit invoice from an accepted quote and add a card payment link, with the money going into your own account.
6. Automatic payment reminders that know the law
Making the invoice takes a minute. Chasing it can take hours. Look for reminders that send themselves and stop when the invoice is paid, and that treat business and homeowner customers differently. Statutory interest is for business debts only.
7. Honest pricing
Watch for apps that advertise free and then put reminders, card payments or extra users behind expensive tiers. Check what the plan you would actually need costs.
8. An export for your accountant
Whatever you use day to day, your accountant needs the numbers. A CSV export is the minimum.
QuoteChase ticks every box above for £39.99 a month on Standard, or £69.99 on Pro with texting and four users. See pricing, or try the free demo with your own business name.
Questions
Do sole traders need invoicing software?
Not legally, but it saves time and gets you paid faster. If your income is over the Making Tax Digital threshold, you will also need MTD-compatible bookkeeping software.
What should a sole trader's invoice include?
Your name and business name, address, a unique invoice number, the date, the customer's details, what you did and the price, the total, the payment due date and how to pay. If you are VAT registered, add your VAT number and the VAT breakdown.