MinuteDock includes built-in invoicing that lets you email invoices directly to clients without needing separate accounting software. This simple invoicing works well for individuals and sole operators, though most teams benefit from using MinuteDock alongside accounting integrations for more comprehensive billing management.
ℹ️ Note: Most teams find MinuteDock works best when paired with accounting software integrations like Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB for comprehensive billing management. Check out our integration partners.
How Built-in Invoicing Works
MinuteDock's built-in invoicing sends invoices directly to your clients via email using the email address stored in each Contact's settings. When you choose "Send by Email" after creating an invoice, MinuteDock delivers it as a professional PDF attachment.
See our full guide on how to create and send an invoice in MinuteDock for a step-by-step process.
⚡ Important: MinuteDock tracks whether invoices are sent but doesn't monitor payment status. You'll need to track payments manually or use an accounting integration for full invoice lifecycle management.
Workflow Comparison
Here's how the two invoicing approaches differ in practice:
Built-in Invoicing Workflow
Create Contact in MinuteDock
↓
Track time in MinuteDock
↓
Draft invoice from time tracked
↓
Send to Contact via email
Accounting Integration Workflow
Import Contact from accounting software
↓
Track time in MinuteDock
↓
Generate draft invoice in MinuteDock
↓
Send draft to accounting integration
↓
Issue invoice to Contact from accounting software
Built-in Invoicing Limitations
While MinuteDock's built-in invoicing handles basic billing needs effectively, it has several limitations compared to using accounting software integrations:
Payment and Status Tracking
No payment status updates: MinuteDock doesn't track whether Contacts have paid their invoices
No automated reminders: You'll need to manually follow up on overdue payments
Limited invoice status: Only tracks "sent" status, not payment received, overdue, or partially paid
Financial Management
No payment processing: Contacts must pay through their own methods (bank transfer, check, etc.)
Manual record keeping: You'll need to track payments separately for your business records
Invoice Customization
Simple templates only: Limited branding and layout customization options
Fixed invoice format: Cannot accommodate specialized billing requirements or industry-specific formats
💡 Tip: If you find yourself spending significant time manually tracking payments or need more sophisticated invoicing features, consider switching to one of MinuteDock's accounting integrations for a more streamlined workflow.
When to use Built-in Invoicing
Built-in invoicing works best for simpler billing scenarios:
Good fit for:
Sole operators with straightforward billing needs
Teams who prefer manual payment tracking
Businesses that don't need complex accounting workflows
Consider accounting integrations instead if you need:
Automated payment tracking and reminders
Complex tax calculations and payment receipt/accounting functionality
Synced tracking categories/customer lists from accounting software
Streamlined workflow from recording time through to billing clients
Less simplified invoicing templating/branding
Customize your Invoice Settings
Configure your built-in invoice appearance and payment terms in Account Settings.
Click on Account in the top right navigation bar in MinuteDock
Click into Account Settings
Click More Options on the righthand side to expand Invoice settings
Invoice Branding and Payment Terms
Upload your business logo/branding to include in invoices
Customize the default invoice header
Set a default due date period for payment
Detail your contact details for inclusion in the invoice and payment slip
Note any standard payment advice/requirements
Choose whether to include a removable payment slip at the bottom for mailed payments
⚠️ Warning: These settings only apply to MinuteDock's built-in invoicing. If you send invoices through accounting integrations, those systems will use their own branding and payment settings instead.
Sending Invoices with Custom Messages
When you're ready to send an invoice, you can personalize it for each client:
Add a Custom Message
After clicking "Send by Email" when finalizing your invoice, you can include a specific message for that invoice - perhaps project updates, thank you notes, or payment reminders. This message appears in the email body alongside your invoice attachment.
Send Yourself a Copy
Check the option to send yourself a copy of the invoice for your records. This helps you track what was sent to clients and when, especially useful since MinuteDock doesn't automatically track payment status.
💡 Tip: Sending yourself copies creates an email trail that you can reference when following up on payments or discussing invoice details with clients.