Item: Xero
Rating: 7
Author: CiCi Reagan Twining 👑

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

It's used across my entire organisation. It's used to keep up with accounts, invoice clients, and receive payments. Because it integrates with multiple payment platforms, it's easier for clients to pay their invoices. It also allows us to implement payment plans for our clients with repeating invoices and auto payment.

Pros and Cons

Auto matching transactions
Easily convert quotes to invoices (one click)
Automatic invoice payment reminders

Not a lot of room for customisation of invoice/quote templates
Complicated to add new accounts

Return on Investment

Time saved
Ease of use for clients

Alternatives Considered

QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise

I found the user interface for QuickBooks easier to use. I used it for businesses I worked for in the US but found that UK accountants tend to recommend Xero more here. I ended up choosing Xero as it offers more integrations with the existing systems I was already using at the time.

Usability

The basic functionality is quite easy to use. Things like creating quotes, invoices, repeating invoices, templates, invoice reminders, and linking to your bank account is really straightforward. I haven't used much of the functionality of adding accounts or any of the payroll settings or inventory management, but for basic use as a sole trader I recommend it.

Cloud Costs

This is not applicable to my organisation.

Ease of Integration

I've found it quite simple to set up Xero integrations. It's connected with my CRM, Capsule, with no problem at all, as well as my email provider and bank account. It typically just takes a few simple clicks to set up.

Key Insights

Do you think Xero delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with Xero's feature set?

Yes

Did Xero live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Xero go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Xero again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Capsule CRM, Mailchimp

Likelihood to Recommend

Xero is great for my business. As a sole trader with multiple income streams and the ability to link to my bank account, it's easy to stay organised. I can quickly create quotes and convert them to invoices. I know that a lot of accountants recommend this software and I can imagine that I'm only using it to a small percentage of it's ability as I find a lot of the functionality difficult to even locate. It does make it easier to do taxes at the end of the year, etc due to its reporting functionality.

A lot of functionality, might be overkill for solopreneurs

Overall Satisfaction with Xero