Map the money before comparing plans
An order, a marketplace settlement and a bank deposit are different records. A bank feed imports the deposit; it may not explain the underlying sales, refunds, tax, fees and adjustments. Write down how an order moves from the selling platform to your accounts. Decide who will reconcile each stage. A connector can help with settlement detail, but still needs the correct configuration and review.
Ask your accountant first
Ask which software they support, how they charge for bookkeeping, and whether a licence is included in their fee. Compare Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent against your actual needs: invoicing, bank feeds, VAT, payroll, multicurrency, inventory, collaboration and exports. Check the current plan limits and renewal price. A familiar system with a reliable reconciliation routine can be better value than a discounted subscription nobody maintains.
Look for included software, then check the condition
Mettle includes FreeAgent subject to making at least one transaction a month, with some add-ons charged separately. That can be useful if you qualify for Mettle and FreeAgent fits your business. It is not a reason to pay for a second accounting package you do not need. Confirm whether an accountant-provided licence belongs to you, what happens if you change banks or advisers, and how historical records will remain accessible.
Test a complete month
Before migrating, trial a representative set of sales, payouts, refunds, supplier bills and expenses. Check that the opening balances, bank reconciliation and reporting make sense. Keep exports from the old system and agree a cutover date with your accountant. Tax compliance depends on your circumstances and the supported filing workflow, not the presence of “MTD” in a marketing headline. Do not import the same sales through two integrations: duplicate revenue can distort both profit and tax records.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Make the next move a clearer one.
- Ask who owns and pays for the software licence.
- Check marketplace settlement detail and refund handling.
- Compare the regular plan price and essential add-ons.
- Reconcile a representative month before committing.
- Keep independent exports and avoid duplicate imports.
Where we checked the details
Primary sources checked 11 October 2026. Rules, prices and eligibility can change. Confirm current terms with the official service.
General UK guidance and editorial checklists. Apply the official rules to your circumstances and seek qualified help where needed. This is researched guidance, not a claim that we have tested every provider or situation.
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