The Quick Guide to Xero-to-Xero Invoicing
As a business owner, you are more than likely to use Xero. With recent upgrades, Xero now allows you to connect directly with other businesses who use also Xero.
Xero-to-Xero invoicing allows you to send invoices to your customers, which will then appear as draft bills in their own business Xero ledger, cutting down on admin time, and making payment that much faster. This also ensures your Xero admin is kept tidy with all invoices being stored electronically within Xero for future reference.
Network Key
In order to connect Xero-to-Xero, you will need to have your customer's unique Xero Network Key handy, and add this to their contact details in Xero.
To find your business network key, you can simply go to your organisation's settings, look for the Xero to Xero tab (as displayed below), and you will find your Network Key at the bottom of the page. Please see the Atlas and Oak Strategy and Tax Network Key below for your reference.
When you have your customers unique Network Key, you will then need to save it in their contact details, but selecting contacts, edit (top right), sales defaults (left of your screen), and then enter their Xero Network Key at the bottom and hit save and close.
Sending invoices
When you have your customer's Network Key saved on file, you should now be able to send them invoices directly to their Xero ledger.
Conditions that must be met in order for this to work are:
The invoice must have an 'awaiting payment' status. If part payment has been allocated against the invoice you will need to email it instead.
There cannot be a discount applied to the invoice, and if there has been, it should be emailed instead.
You must be using 'classic' invoicing in Xero (note that you can switch between classic and new invoice at the bottom of your invoicing screen).
Sending invoices one at a time
If you already have an invoice open, and are happy to send them one at a time, you should now be able to do this by using the 'Invoice Options' tab, and then select to 'Send via Xero Network', as displayed below.
This will then bring you back to the sending invoice screen as below, confirming that the contact can receive the invoice directly.
Sending invoices in bulk
If you prefer to send invoices in bulk, you can also do this by going to the Business Tab, selecting Invoices, select the Awaiting Payment Tab, checking the specific invoices on your list, click on Email, make sure the Send Via Xero Network box is selected, and hit Send.
Although new technology can be a little daunting at first, we would encourage you to give it a go!
As always, should you need any help, please don't hesitate to get in touch and we can help guide you in the right direction.