QBO Plug-in — Pricing, Packaging & Positioning

The guardrail is the name: it's a plug-in, never an integration. Every packaging, pricing, and messaging call below protects that distinction so the free plug-in never competes with the paid full QuickBooks Online Integration.

What it is

A free, one-way sync bundled with Invoice Hub Essentials. Audited carrier invoices automatically create AP Bills in QuickBooks Online — no implementation project, no cost, no custom mapping.

Why it exists

Scope at a glance

Is

  • Self-serve, no-code, one-way sync
  • Configured via in-app wizard (OAuth, category, vendor, description)
  • Included free with Invoice Hub Essentials

Is Not

  • Bi-directional — QBO edits don't sync back
  • Custom-mapped or implementation-supported
  • A substitute for the full QBO Integration

Packaging and Pricing

QBO Plug-in via Invoice Hub Essentials

$0 incremental

Includes:

  • One-way sync: audited invoices → AP Bills
  • Self-serve setup wizard
  • Automatic entitlement — no purchase or quote

Positioning:

The primary packaging vehicle. A value-add attached to Essentials, not a separate purchase.

Full QuickBooks Online Integration

Priced per existing process

Recommended for:

  • Bi-directional sync needs
  • Custom field mapping / complex COA
  • Multi-entity accounting or hands-on support

Positioning:

Sold and quoted independently. Not bundled with, or replaced by, the plug-in.

QBO Plug-in (standalone)

No SKU — not sold alone

The plug-in cannot be purchased outside of Invoice Hub Essentials. No standalone price means nothing to discount or compare against the full Integration.

Important Packaging Rule

Plug-in access is automatic for any Invoice Hub Essentials customer — no quote, no contract line item, self-serve activation.

Don't run the plug-in and the full Integration on the same QBO connection at once — both can write AP Bills and create duplicate entries.

Eligibility & Activation

Requires Invoice Hub Essentials. Downgrading out of Essentials disables plug-in access and active syncing. No Sales or Implementation involvement in the standard path.

Positioning & Messaging

Positioning statement

For SMB shippers on Invoice Hub Essentials who use QuickBooks Online, the QBO Plug-in sends audited carrier invoices into QBO as AP Bills automatically — free, self-serve, no implementation. Customers needing two-way sync, custom mapping, or dedicated support go to the full QBO Integration.

Why this matters to sellers

The plug-in isn't just a feature — it's a deal-closer for Essentials and a natural bridge into full-Integration revenue later. Here's how to use it in a sales conversation.

It removes a common blocker

QuickBooks-native prospects often hesitate on Invoice Hub Essentials because they don't want another manual re-entry step. The plug-in closes that gap at no extra cost — use it to answer "how does this get into my accounting system?" on the spot.

It's a zero-friction yes

Because it's included and self-serve, there's no separate SKU, quote, or approval needed. Sellers can offer it as an immediate value-add during the Essentials conversation instead of a follow-up negotiation.

It plants the upgrade seed

Once a customer is live on the plug-in and feels the time savings, needs like custom mapping or two-way sync become an easier, better-timed conversation for the full Integration — a warm upsell, not a cold pitch.

Talking points that resonate with customers

Plug-in vs. full Integration

DimensionPlug-inFull Integration
Direction One-way Bi-directional
MappingFixed wizard fieldsCustom
SetupSelf-serve, minutesGuided implementation
SupportStandard channelsDedicated team
Cost$0 with EssentialsPaid, quoted

Approved language

plug-in one-way sync self-serve included with Essentials
QBO Integration bi-directional custom mapping managed by our team

Elevator pitch

Start with the access

"On Invoice Hub Essentials? You already have the QBO Plug-in at no extra cost."

Explain the flow

"Connect QBO, map a few settings, and every audited invoice creates an AP Bill automatically — one-way, fully self-serve."

Point to the upgrade path

"Need two-way sync or custom mapping later? That's what the full Integration is for."

Guardrails & Limits

Guardrails against cannibalization

Key limitation to disclose: one-way sync only

MyCarrier pushes data to QBO; it never pulls updates back. Edits made inside QuickBooks won't reflect in Invoice Hub. MyCarrier stays the source of truth — corrections belong in MyCarrier, not QBO.

State this plainly in the wizard, Help Center, and Sales/Support talking points — not buried in fine print.

Target customer

Good fit

  • SMB shippers managing AP in QBO
  • Currently on / evaluating Invoice Hub Essentials
  • Straightforward categorization and vendor mapping needs

Route to full Integration

  • Complex multi-entity QBO setups
  • Custom chart-of-accounts requirements
  • Stated need for two-way reconciliation

Resources

Quick access to QBO Plug-in assets. Right-click links to open in a new tab.