Why mobile invoicing has become essential
For freelancers, tradespeople and small businesses in Switzerland, the office is no longer the only workplace. Between job sites, client meetings and travel, being able to create and send an invoice directly from your smartphone is a major competitive advantage. No more "I'll send you the invoice when I get back to the office" promises that turn into billing delays and therefore payment delays.
Studies show that businesses that invoice within 24 hours of completing a service reduce their payment delays by an average of 30%. Mobile access to your invoicing tool is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity.
Benefits of mobile invoicing
1. Invoice immediately after the service
A plumber who finishes a job can create and send the invoice before even leaving the client's home. A consultant can bill their session straight after a meeting. This responsiveness dramatically accelerates the billing cycle.
2. Reduce payment delays
The faster you invoice, the faster you get paid. With mobile invoicing, there's no gap between completing the service and issuing the invoice. Combined with the Swiss QR-invoice that enables payment with a single scan, your clients can pay within minutes.
3. Don't forget anything
When you wait until you're back at the office to invoice, you risk forgetting details: extra hours, materials used, agreed conditions. Invoicing on the spot means everything is still fresh in your memory.
4. Project a professional image
Sending a compliant invoice with a QR code minutes after your service shows clients you're organised and professional. It's a trust signal that strengthens your credibility.
5. Save administrative time
By eliminating the "back to the office to invoice" step, you free up time for productive work. Less administrative work in the evenings or weekends means a better work-life balance.
Essential features of a mobile invoicing app
Not all mobile invoicing apps are equal. Here are the essential features for a Swiss freelancer or SME:
Invoice creation and delivery
The basics: being able to create a complete invoice from your phone with all mandatory legal information, and send it by email in one tap.
Swiss QR-invoice integration
In Switzerland, every invoice must include a QR payment slip since 2022. Your mobile app must automatically generate this QR-invoice compliant with Swiss Payment Standards.
Client management
Access your client directory, find contact details, billing history and specific payment terms for each client.
Product/service catalogue
Quickly select predefined services or products with their prices and VAT rates, without re-entering information for every invoice.
Payment tracking
See at a glance which invoices are paid, pending or overdue. Receive push notifications when a payment arrives.
Expense management
Photograph your receipts directly from your mobile to add them to your business expenses. No more keeping paper receipts.
Multi-currency
For freelancers working with international clients, the ability to invoice in EUR, USD or other currencies is important.
Responsive web app vs native app
There are two approaches to mobile invoicing:
Native app (iOS/Android)
Advantages:
- Installation via App Store / Google Play
- Native push notifications
- Optimised camera access (receipt scanning)
- Optimal performance
Disadvantages:
- Two apps to maintain (iOS + Android)
- Updates to download
- Phone storage space required
- App Store validation process
Responsive web app (PWA)
Advantages:
- Accessible from any browser
- No download or installation
- Always up to date
- Works on all devices (smartphone, tablet, desktop)
- Single version to maintain
Disadvantages:
- Requires internet connection
- Limited access to some native features
Which approach to choose?
For most SMEs and freelancers, a well-designed responsive web app offers the best compromise. You access all your data from any device, without downloads, and the interface automatically adapts to your screen size.
To Bill on mobile: full invoicing on the go
To Bill takes the responsive web approach. Its interface is fully optimised for smartphone and tablet use, offering the same features as on desktop:
Create an invoice in 30 seconds
- Open To Bill from your mobile browser
- Select a client from your address book
- Add items from your catalogue
- The QR-invoice is generated automatically
- Send by email in one tap
All features accessible
- Invoices and quotes: creation, delivery, tracking — all from your mobile
- Clients: add or consult your clients anywhere
- Expenses: photograph receipts for immediate tracking
- Dashboard: view statistics and payment tracking in real time
- Automatic reminders: reminders are sent even when you're not at your screen
No download required
Simply open app.tobill.ch from Safari, Chrome or any mobile browser. You can add a shortcut to your home screen for instant access, just like a native app.
Real-world use cases
The tradesperson on site
Marc is an independent electrician in Lausanne. After each job, he opens To Bill on his phone, selects the client, adds the hours and materials used, and sends the invoice with QR code before leaving. Result: his payment delays have decreased by 40%.
The consultant on the move
Sophie is an HR consultant in Zurich. Between appointments, she creates invoices from her iPad on the train. She particularly appreciates being able to check her dashboard to see which invoices are pending.
The freelance photographer
David is a photographer in Geneva. After each shoot, he invoices his client immediately. He also uses the expense feature to photograph receipts (studio rental, transport) that he integrates directly into his accounting.
Security and data protection
Mobile invoicing involves handling sensitive data (client information, amounts, bank details). Key security points:
Swiss hosting
Choose software that hosts your data in Switzerland, in compliance with the Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP). To Bill hosts all data on Swiss servers.
Secure connection
Ensure the app uses HTTPS protocol and secure authentication (strong password + encrypted session).
Automatic backup
Your data should be backed up automatically. With a web app, your data is stored on the server, not your phone — no risk of loss if your phone is damaged or stolen.
Automatic logout
Your session should close automatically after a period of inactivity to protect your data.
How to get started with mobile invoicing
- Create your account at app.tobill.ch — 2 minutes, 7-day free trial, no commitment
- Set up your profile — add your company info: logo, address, IBAN, VAT number
- Add clients and products — import or create your directory and catalogue
- Create your first invoice — from your smartphone, in a few taps, with QR code
- Add the shortcut — add app.tobill.ch to your home screen for instant access
FAQ
Does To Bill have a native app (App Store / Google Play)?
To Bill is a responsive web app that works directly in your mobile browser. No download needed — simply open app.tobill.ch and add the shortcut to your home screen.
Can I use To Bill without internet?
To Bill requires an internet connection. However, most features load quickly even on a limited 4G connection.
Is my data secure on mobile?
Yes, To Bill uses HTTPS, secure session authentication and hosts all data on Swiss servers. Your data is not stored locally on your phone.
Does mobile invoicing generate compliant QR-invoices?
Yes, every invoice created with To Bill (mobile or desktop) automatically includes a QR payment slip compliant with Swiss Payment Standards.
Can I manage expenses from my mobile?
Yes, you can add expenses, attach receipt photos and track professional expenses directly from your smartphone.
How much does To Bill cost?
To Bill offers three plans: Starter at CHF 7/month, Pro at CHF 10/month and Business at CHF 30/month. The 7-day free trial gives access to all features with no commitment.
Can I use To Bill on a tablet?
Yes, To Bill's responsive interface adapts perfectly to tablets (iPad, Android). The experience is optimal on all screen sizes.