Why I Built Invio: My Journey from Hnry and Xero
As a sole trader, I hit limitations with existing tools. Here's why I decided to build a micro-SaaS to fix invoicing for good.
As a sole trader, managing finances is always a balancing act between time and money. I started my journey using Hnry, which is a fantastic service for handling taxes automatically. However, I quickly hit some frustrating limitations.
The Hnry Limitation
My business involves hosting services, which requires recurring invoicing. Hnry didn't offer automatic reminders for these hosting payments. I found myself manually chasing clients or double-checking if invoices had been sent. For a "set and forget" service, this was a major friction point.
The Xero Alternative
Naturally, I looked at Xero. It's the industry standard for a reason—it does everything. But that was exactly the problem. It was too expensive for my simple needs, and the interface felt like overkill. I didn't need a full accounting suite; I just needed to send professional invoices and get paid.
The Solution: Invio
I realised there was a gap in the market for a micro-SaaS solution designed specifically for sole traders like me. I wanted something that was:
- Simple: No accounting jargon, just invoices and quotes.
- Automated: Set up recurring invoices and reminders once, and let it run.
- Affordable: A fair price that scales with my business.
So, I built Invio. It fixes the specific problems I faced—automatic reminders, simple recurring billing, and professional GST-compliant invoices—without the bloat or the high price tag.
If you're a sole trader feeling stuck between "too simple" and "too complex," give Invio a try. It was built for you.