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Bill Posters · 17-01-2004, 07:18

Gonna start placing client invoices online (in their own client areas)...

My first thought was to simply place the pdfs online myself.
Alternatively, I'm wondering about creating downloadable pdf on the fly from a viewable html version of the invoice.

Given that it's unlikely that the number of invoices online at any one time is unlikely to exceed he low double figures, is it worth my while implementing an pdf on the fly solution or simply uploading the pdfs myself?

I'm doing a google for some solutions and guidance to check the learning curve (another consideration).

Anything in particular I should take a look at?
Anything I should bear in mind (pitfalls, considerations)?

Are pdfs created this way reliable in the sense that they maintain their structure well (i.e. the layout doesn't fall apart in the process)?

Given the low numbers involved - is it worth the (potential) aggro of taking the pdf-on-the-fly route?

TIA

Mr Fred · 18-01-2004, 04:25

What you want is quite easy to implemement using any number of solutions. (php, coldfucion, standalone software etc) but i think you should think about who the client is a little.

Some of my clients want excel / pdf / doc / printed invoices. I have been informed that "we dont use acrobat" so maybe offer a couple of download methods".

I also find that opening acrobat (instead of right clicking and saving as) can be confusing a little for clients.

I think if you had 3000 clients thne automated would be the corect option but at moment I would stick with aggro free traditional method

Bill Posters · 18-01-2004, 05:25

I think the manual method may indeed be enough for now.
Most of my clients are other design agencies, so offering pdf is fine for them.
Offering docs as well has so far proven to be enough to cater for the non-design agency clients.

At this time there isn't sufficient legwork involved in cranking out invoices to warrant automation of this kind.
I was possibly being seduced by the idea rather than responding to the need.
Basically just wanted a second opinion, or rather someone to come in and say - don't bother.

Thx for that.

decomplex · 08-04-2004, 11:53

Hi Guys,

Just in case you care ;-)

Check out this cool free tool.

It's a FreePDF creator at http://shbox.de/ ..

I use it all the time, it sure beats paying for the same product, minus a few thingys..

17-01-2004, 07:18	#1 (permalink)
Bill Posters trouble free and loverlee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: YooKay Posts: 2,887	html > pdf. Best option? Gonna start placing client invoices online (in their own client areas)... My first thought was to simply place the pdfs online myself. Alternatively, I'm wondering about creating downloadable pdf on the fly from a viewable html version of the invoice. Given that it's unlikely that the number of invoices online at any one time is unlikely to exceed he low double figures, is it worth my while implementing an pdf on the fly solution or simply uploading the pdfs myself? I'm doing a google for some solutions and guidance to check the learning curve (another consideration). Anything in particular I should take a look at? Anything I should bear in mind (pitfalls, considerations)? Are pdfs created this way reliable in the sense that they maintain their structure well (i.e. the layout doesn't fall apart in the process)? Given the low numbers involved - is it worth the (potential) aggro of taking the pdf-on-the-fly route? TIA

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18-01-2004, 04:25	#2 (permalink)
Mr Fred Magazines™ Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Glasgow.. Posts: 11,275	What you want is quite easy to implemement using any number of solutions. (php, coldfucion, standalone software etc) but i think you should think about who the client is a little. Some of my clients want excel / pdf / doc / printed invoices. I have been informed that "we dont use acrobat" so maybe offer a couple of download methods". I also find that opening acrobat (instead of right clicking and saving as) can be confusing a little for clients. I think if you had 3000 clients thne automated would be the corect option but at moment I would stick with aggro free traditional method

18-01-2004, 05:25	#3 (permalink)
Bill Posters trouble free and loverlee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: YooKay Posts: 2,887	I think the manual method may indeed be enough for now. Most of my clients are other design agencies, so offering pdf is fine for them. Offering docs as well has so far proven to be enough to cater for the non-design agency clients. At this time there isn't sufficient legwork involved in cranking out invoices to warrant automation of this kind. I was possibly being seduced by the idea rather than responding to the need. Basically just wanted a second opinion, or rather someone to come in and say - don't bother. Thx for that.

08-04-2004, 11:53	#4 (permalink)
decomplex Blu.com.au Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 9	Hi Guys, Just in case you care ;-) Check out this cool free tool. It's a FreePDF creator at http://shbox.de/ .. I use it all the time, it sure beats paying for the same product, minus a few thingys..

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