The best billing app for your shop: a 12-point checklist
There is no single best billing app for every shop. A grocery store, a restaurant and a hardware counter need different things. Use these 12 checks to pick the right one for yours, whichever app you choose.
Our bias, up front: we make NANDIX, a billing and stock app for hardware, electrical, plumbing, paint and building-material shops. The checklist below is written to be useful for any shop. Where we say what NANDIX does, we also say what it doesn't do yet.
1. Correct GST invoices
The app must print your GSTIN, the customer's GSTIN on B2B bills, HSN codes, and the right tax split: CGST + SGST inside your state, IGST for another state. Ask the seller to show a sample B2B invoice and a B2C bill before you decide. Our GST invoice format guide lists every field.
2. Invoice numbers that never repeat
GST requires one continuous series of invoice numbers for the year. If two staff bill at the same time, a weak app can give both bills the same number. Ask how the app prevents that.
3. Stock that moves with every bill
If you must enter sales in one place and stock in another, the two stop agreeing within a week. The bill itself should reduce stock, and the counter should see how many are left before adding an item.
4. Fast entry of new stock
Typing every line of a supplier's bill is where most shops give up. Look for invoice scanning that reads the bill for you, and a warning if the same supplier bill is entered twice.
5. Udhaar from the bill, not a separate notebook
Unpaid amounts should go to the customer's account straight from the bill, with part payments, and a list of who has owed money for more than 30 days. See our udhaar management guide.
6. Items in many sizes and units
Hardware and building-material shops sell the same item in many sizes, grades, finishes and units: pieces, metres, kilograms, boxes, bundles. Test the app with ten of your own trickiest items before you buy.
7. Staff logins and limits
Each staff member should bill under their own login, so every bill shows who made it. The owner should decide what staff can see and change, for example hiding purchase prices.
8. Your language
If you or your staff read Hindi, Tamil or another language better than English, the screens should be in that language, while the invoice your customer receives stays clear and standard.
9. Supplier and distributor dues
You also owe money. A good app shows what you owe each supplier, which bills are unpaid, and records your payments against the oldest bills first.
10. Works on the phone you have
Check whether it needs a computer, a specific phone, or a special printer. Ask for thermal and A4 invoice formats.
11. Your data is yours
Ask: can I download all my bills, stock and customers any time? Will my customers' details be shown to anyone else? Read the privacy policy before you start, not after.
12. Clear price, real help
Know the monthly price before you commit, and whether a real person helps you set up. Be careful with "lifetime free" offers that charge later for basic features.
How NANDIX does on this checklist
Here is where NANDIX stands today, including the gaps. NANDIX is in its pilot stage with a small group of shops.
| Check | NANDIX today |
|---|---|
| GST invoices | Yes: GSTIN, HSN, CGST/SGST or IGST, thermal and A4. E-invoicing (IRN) not yet. |
| Non-repeating invoice numbers | Yes, even with several staff billing at once. |
| Stock with every bill | Yes. The counter sees stock left before adding an item, and bills are blocked when stock is short. |
| Fast stock entry | Scan a supplier bill to add stock, with a warning if the same bill is scanned twice. Adding stock by voice is in early testing. |
| Udhaar | Yes: from the bill, part payments, and dues grouped by how old they are. |
| Sizes and units | Yes. Made for hardware and building-material items. |
| Staff logins | Yes: own login per staff member, owner controls what each can do. |
| Language | Screens in English and 9 Indian languages. Customer invoices always print in English. Details |
| Supplier dues | Yes, and distributors on NANDIX share the same ledger with you. Details |
| Device | Runs in the browser on Android phones, tablets and computers. |
| Your data | Yours. Ask any time and we give you all of it. Never sold, never shown to other shops. |
| Price | The pilot is free. We will tell you the monthly price before the pilot ends; nothing is charged automatically. |
| Not a fit (yet) | Restaurants, groceries and pharmacies; shops that need e-invoicing (IRN) or Tally sync today. |
Think NANDIX fits your shop? Let us call you.
Leave your number. We call you, show NANDIX on your own items and set it up with you. Nothing is charged.
- Takes 30 seconds: name, mobile and town.
- We call only about NANDIX. No spam, and your number is never sold.
- Want to fill in your shop details yourself? Apply for the pilot.
Questions shop owners ask
Which is the best billing app in India?
It depends on your trade. For a grocery or a restaurant, choose an app made for that. For hardware, electrical, plumbing, paint and building-material shops, check stock in many sizes and units, udhaar from the bill, supplier dues and staff controls. Use the 12-point checklist on this page to compare any apps you are considering.
Is there a free billing app with GST?
Several apps have free plans with limits. NANDIX is free during its pilot, and we will tell you the monthly price before the pilot ends. Nothing is charged automatically.
Do I need a computer for GST billing?
No. Many billing apps, including NANDIX, run on an Android phone. A tablet or computer is useful at a busy counter but not required.
Can I move to a new billing app in the middle of the year?
Yes, but keep your invoice series continuous. Note your last invoice number in the old app and start the new app's series from the next number, or start a new series and tell your CA. Bring your item list and customer balances across before you start.