Today we are releasing the FreshBooks API.

You can find Ben’s wonderful documentation here. The API now has its own blog to share recent updates, scripts, samples and examples - if you are a developer, subscribe. We also have a forum just for those of you who are playing with the API.

Who is API for?

• Developers connecting FreshBooks with their own systems or cool desktop widgets.
• Web application developers, web hosts, or subscription services who want to avoid drowning in lost time building their own billing backend.
• Companies needing to replace their existing billing backend because a lack of reporting, payment history, and friendly dispute mechanisms is upsetting customers and internal developers.
• Anyone with good ol’ customers that need good ol’ invoices via snail mail.

What Can You Do with the API

Every day, new web applications are joining the Software-as-a-Service movement. We wanted to contribute back to our fellow peers in the simplest way possible, and the best way we know how, and help them get their money in the door. With the API, you’ll be able to:

• Deliver professional invoices over email and through the good old snail mail.
• Efficiently track outstanding accounts receivable.
• Cordially manage billing disputes.
• Record payment histories for your customers’ peace of mind.
• Smoothly collect payment online collecting by credit card, PayPal, or eCheck.

Because the API allows you to manage clients, create invoices, and record payments, it’s easy to slide it into your existing billing system. Don’t go through the agony of learning how to mail invoices, negotiate with payment gateways, and track those delinquent customers yourself! You should only have to worry about your own business.

Other Thoughts Regarding the API

Of course, because the API is a true open API, you can do a lot more with it. FreshBooks doesn’t want to own you. Get your data out, play with it, and shove it back in. Hook FreshBooks up with your favorite productivity tool or desktop widget. (Tip: We’ve already integrated Basecamp! Maybe you want to integrate with some of the other great services out there.) Stuck with QuickBooks? We’re building an import/export tool. Now, you can build an import/export tool for your own favorite or least favorite application.

Have any other cool ideas? Maybe you want to build your own end-to-end sales operations company. Go ahead. Build it on our backs. We’re not asking for a cut from your sweat.

Join our developer community and let us help you with your next steps.

BTW - we were planning to launch the API and documentation around noon, but we’ve been outed by Techcrunch and a few other blog posts, so you can expect this post to be updated throughout the day as more content trickles out. In the meantime, please roll with us. Thanks.
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