If you're a sole trader or run a small trade business, the last thing you want to do after a long day on the tools is sit at a laptop typing up invoices. You need something fast, professional, and — ideally — free.
The good news: there are several invoice apps built for tradespeople in the UK. The catch: "free" often has limits. In this guide, we compare the most popular options so you can make the right call for your business.
What to Look for in a Trade Invoice App
Not all invoicing apps are built with tradespeople in mind. A good one should let you:
- Create and send invoices from your phone in under 2 minutes
- Include a payment link so customers can pay instantly
- Send automatic payment reminders so you don't have to chase
- Look professional — branded with your logo and business name
- Work offline or in areas with poor signal
Some apps also add quote creation, job scheduling, and review requests — which can be worth paying for if they save you significant time.
The Best Invoice Apps for UK Tradespeople
1. Invoice Ninja
Invoice Ninja is a popular free invoicing tool with a generous free tier. You can send unlimited invoices to up to 20 clients and add your logo.
Pros
- Completely free for under 20 clients
- Looks professional
- Payment integrations available
Cons
- No automatic payment reminders on free tier
- No quote follow-ups
- Not built for tradespeople specifically
- Mobile app can be clunky
2. Zoho Invoice
Zoho Invoice went completely free in 2021 and is one of the most capable free invoicing tools available. It supports multiple currencies, recurring invoices, and has a solid mobile app.
Pros
- 100% free — no client limit
- Automatic payment reminders
- Good mobile app
- Multi-currency support
Cons
- Can feel complex for a one-man band
- No job scheduling or quoting workflow
- No trade-specific features
- No review collection
3. Wave
Wave offers free invoicing and accounting software. It's popular with small business owners and freelancers. The free tier is quite capable, though card payments carry a transaction fee.
Pros
- Free invoicing and basic accounting
- Easy to use
- Automatic payment reminders
Cons
- Payment processing fees (2.9% + 30p)
- No quoting feature
- No trade-specific tools
- US-focused — some UK features missing
4. Tradify
Tradify is built specifically for trade businesses — plumbers, electricians, builders, and similar. It handles quoting, job management, timesheets, and invoicing in one place.
Pros
- Purpose-built for tradespeople
- Quotes, jobs, and invoices in one app
- Good mobile experience
Cons
- Starts at ~£29/month — no free tier
- No automatic review collection
- No payment chasing automation
5. HANDLED
HANDLED is a UK-built app specifically for sole trader tradespeople. Unlike generic invoicing tools, it combines invoicing with automatic payment chasing, quote follow-ups, and — uniquely — automatic Google review requests after every job.
Pros
- Invoicing + automatic payment reminders
- Quote creation with auto follow-up
- Automatic review requests after every job
- Deposit collection built in
- 14-day free trial
Cons
- £79/month after trial (no permanent free tier)
- Focused on UK sole traders
So Which Should You Choose?
It depends what "free" means to you and what you actually need:
- If you just need to send the odd invoice: Zoho Invoice is the best free option — capable, unlimited, and has automatic reminders.
- If you're a busy tradesperson doing 10+ jobs a month: A tool like HANDLED pays for itself quickly by getting you paid faster, winning more quotes, and building reviews that bring in more work.
- If you need full job management (scheduling, timesheets, multi-person): Tradify or Jobber are worth looking at, though both are more expensive.
Our Honest Take
The word "free" is appealing but can be misleading. If an app helps you collect a single extra payment that would otherwise have slipped, or win one extra quote through an automated follow-up, it's already paid for itself. For sole traders in the UK doing regular work, an app built specifically for your workflow will save more time and make more money than a generic free invoicing tool.
What Makes a Trade Invoice Look Professional?
Whether you use a free or paid app, your invoices should always include:
- Your business name, address, and contact details
- Your VAT number if VAT-registered
- A unique invoice number
- A clear breakdown of labour and materials
- Payment terms (e.g., "Due within 14 days")
- A payment link or bank details
A professional invoice tells customers this is a real business — and makes it much easier for them to pay quickly.
Try HANDLED Free for 14 Days
Invoice from your phone, collect deposits, chase payments automatically, and get 5-star reviews after every job.
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