nubeso

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Getting Started

Setup for Service-Based Businesses

Configure Nubeso for consulting, agencies, freelancers, and professional services.

Beginner15 min9 Steps

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Prerequisites

  • Account created
  • Service offerings defined
  • Pricing structure ready

Select Service Business Type

In your business settings, choose "Professional Services" or "Consulting" as your business type. This enables service-specific features: Time tracking and billable hours, Project-based billing, Retainer management, Service packages, Client portals, Proposal generation. The interface is optimized for selling expertise and managing client engagements.

Pro Tips

  • Service mode emphasizes time tracking over inventory
  • Great for consultants, agencies, lawyers, accountants, designers

Define Your Services

Navigate to Services > Add Service. Create catalog entries for each service you offer: Service name (e.g., "Web Design", "Tax Preparation", "Marketing Strategy"), Detailed description of what's included, Standard pricing (hourly rate or flat fee), Estimated delivery time, Service category/industry. These services can be quickly added to projects and invoices.

Pro Tips

  • Bundle related services into packages
  • Offer tiered pricing (basic, standard, premium)
  • Include deliverables in descriptions

Set Hourly Billing Rates

Configure billing rates for different service types: Standard hourly rate for general consulting, Specialized rates for advanced services, Team member rates (junior vs. senior), Rush/emergency rates for urgent work, Discounted rates for retainer clients. Rates can be assigned per project or client.

Pro Tips

  • Research market rates in your area
  • Update rates annually
  • Grandfather existing clients when raising rates

Create Service Packages

Build pre-defined packages to simplify sales: Package name (e.g., "Startup Brand Package"), Included services and deliverables, Fixed package price (vs. sum of individual services), Estimated timeline, Payment terms (upfront, milestone-based, monthly). Packages make selling easier and set clear expectations.

Pro Tips

  • Create 3-5 popular packages
  • Highlight your most profitable package
  • Allow add-ons for customization

Configure Project Templates

Set up reusable project templates for common engagements: Pre-defined task lists and milestones, Standard deliverables and timelines, Team role assignments, Document templates (contracts, proposals), Typical budget and hours. Templates ensure consistency and save setup time for new projects.

Pro Tips

  • Refine templates based on actual projects
  • Include buffer time for revisions
  • Document lessons learned

Enable Client Portal

Activate the client portal so clients can: View project progress and timelines, Review and approve deliverables, Access shared files and documents, See invoice history and make payments, Submit support requests. The portal reduces email clutter and improves transparency.

Pro Tips

  • Customize portal with your branding
  • Set permissions carefully
  • Train clients on portal usage

Set Up Retainer Billing

For clients on monthly retainers: Create retainer agreements with monthly hours/budget, Track time against retainer balances, Automatically invoice monthly retainer fees, Roll over or expire unused hours, Generate retainer utilization reports. Retainers provide predictable revenue.

Pro Tips

  • Clearly define what's included in retainers
  • Send monthly usage reports
  • Review and adjust retainers quarterly

Create Proposal Templates

Design professional proposal templates including: Executive summary and approach, Scope of work and deliverables, Timeline and milestones, Pricing and payment terms, Case studies and testimonials, Terms and conditions. Send proposals directly from Nubeso and track when clients view them.

Pro Tips

  • Keep proposals concise and visual
  • Include clear next steps
  • Follow up within 48 hours

Track Project Profitability

Monitor whether projects are profitable: Compare budgeted vs. actual hours, Track project expenses (software, contractors, etc.), Calculate effective hourly rate, Identify scope creep and overages. Use insights to improve future estimates.

Important Warnings

  • Set up time tracking early - retroactive tracking is inaccurate

Related Tutorials

Project and Task Management

Organize projects, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.

Tracking Billable Hours and Team Time

Track time for projects, convert hours to invoices, and manage team productivity.

Creating Your First Invoice

Complete step-by-step guide to create, customize, and send your first professional invoice with Nubeso.