The Essential HR Handbook, 10th Anniversary Edition

Payment processor vs payment gateway - what's the difference?

A gateway securely transmits card data. A processor handles the actual money movement between banks. Many modern solutions like Stripe and Square combine both.

What is the best invoicing software for small businesses?

For freelancers and solopreneurs: Wave (free) or FreshBooks ($17/mo) offer simple invoicing with time tracking. For growing businesses: QuickBooks Online ($30/mo) integrates invoicing with full accounting. For subscription/recurring billing: Stripe Billing or Chargebee. Key features to compare: payment acceptance, automated reminders, expense tracking, and accountant access for tax season.

What are the best alternatives to QuickBooks?

Xero ($15/mo) offers a cleaner interface and better multi-currency support. Wave is completely free for basic accounting and invoicing. FreshBooks is more intuitive for service businesses. Zoho Books integrates well if you use other Zoho products. For very simple needs, spreadsheets plus a separate invoicing tool still work. Switch costs are low — most tools import QuickBooks data.

What is the best employee scheduling tool for small businesses?

Homebase (free for 1 location) handles scheduling, time tracking, and payroll for hourly teams. When I Work ($2.50/user/mo) scales better for multiple locations. Deputy ($4.50/user/mo) adds demand forecasting and labor compliance. For simple teams under 10, even Google Calendar shared calendars work. The key feature: mobile access so employees can swap shifts and clock in from their phones.