Most billing software demos look the same. The differences show up at 7pm on a Saturday, at month-end, and on the day you want to leave. Here is what to actually test.
1. Billing speed with a real basket
Ask to bill a 15-item basket yourself in the demo. Count the keystrokes. Can you do it without the mouse? Does barcode + quantity + payment + print flow, or does each step open a pop-up?
2. Printer and hardware support
Confirm it drives a 58mm and 80mm thermal printer over USB and LAN, kicks a cash drawer, and prints your GSTIN and UPI QR. If you weigh goods, test the scale.
3. GST done for you
The software should split CGST/SGST/IGST, carry HSN, and produce GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B summaries. If your turnover needs it, e-invoicing and e-way bills should be built in, not a paid add-on.
4. Offline billing
Ask what happens when the internet drops mid-sale. Good software keeps billing and printing locally and syncs later. If billing stops, keep looking.
5. Your data, your exit
Can you export items, customers and invoices to Excel yourself, any time? Is your data stored in India? What happens to it if you cancel?
6. Support you can reach
Call the support number before you buy. If a human picks up in your language, that is a good sign. Check whether phone and remote-desktop help cost extra.
7. Total price, not headline price
Add up the base plan, per-device fees, e-invoicing add-on, and support plan. Compare that number, not the one on the pricing page.
FAQ
Is free billing software good enough for a small shop?
For a single counter raising GST bills with basic stock, a solid free plan is enough. You typically pay when you need e-invoicing, multiple devices, or restaurant/wholesale features.
Should I pick cloud or desktop billing software?
Pick local-first software that works offline and also syncs to the cloud. Pure cloud stops when your internet does; pure desktop is hard to access from your phone.