Are you trying to navigate all the options to create invoices with HubSpot?
You're in the right place. In this post, we will discuss native invoices in HubSpot, integrations for invoicing, and the pros and cons of both.
Can HubSpot Create Invoices? (kinda)
HubSpot has quoting capabilities built natively in the system. While it's under a different name, it functions the same as an invoice. Quotes are straightforward and easy to use, making them a great option for businesses that only need basic payment capabilities.
HubSpot utilizes their own payment gateway, and has an option to use Stripe. Whichever one you go with, customers can pay these quotes with a couple of clicks.
Since it's inside of HubSpot, you can also utilize powerful tools like workflows to bolster your use of the system. Here's a quick overview of pros and cons for HubSpot Quotes:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Already connected to your HubSpot environment. | Additional platform fees can apply to HubSpot. |
| Easy to build workflows to automate steps before and after. | Invoice still has to be created in accounting system manually. |
| Easy to build workflows to automate steps before and after. | Limited financial reporting compared to accounting systems |
For a full listing of the fees for HubSpot's payment gateway, check out our post comparing HubSpot and QuickBooks fees.
HubSpot Invoicing Integrations
If your business needs extend beyond what HubSpot's native quoting features offer, you could use an integration to send invoices via your accounting system. There are a few benefits to using an integration:
- Still works natively in HubSpot, but reduces data entry for accounting
- Updates your accounting system when deals close, allowing for real-time financial reporting
- Can use the accounting system gateway, which benefits the later stages of the A/R process
Due to the way HubSpot is built, you can typically still use their workflows in conjunction with your integrations. Which means you still get all of the main benefits of the native quoting ability on top of the benefits of the integration.
Here's a quick demo of how an invoicing integration works - this one is from HubSpot to QuickBooks 👇
So Which One Do I Choose?
If your needs are relatively simple and you only require basic quoting capabilities, HubSpot's native quoting features may be sufficient. But, if you need full invoicing, payment processing, and advanced financial reporting features, an integration would be the better choice.
Integrations usually mean extra costs, but they open up all new capabilities to take advantage of as you scale. After you've grown to a certain size, the time saved by automating the data entry along likely makes the investment worth it.
Your needs may vary depending on line of business and where you are in your growth journey, but this frame should help make the decision.
Please note, it's best to revisit these decisions with your team once a year or so as you grow.
TLDR;
You can send invoices from HubSpot, or from your accounting system via an integration.
This flexibility allows you to take advantage of different methods as your needs change (and you grow).
An integration is more robust and will save you time but will cost more and require a couple hours of setup.