Peer Group: Handwerk
What most Handwerk businesses in Germany actually use: traditional banking, simple accounting, and payroll management. Most Handwerk businesses keep it traditional.
How This Stack Works
Fyrst receives payments from clients → Money syncs into lexoffice monthly → Sage Lohn handles employee payroll bi-weekly → Quarterly estimates calculated by Steuerberater and sent to Finanzamt
App Compatibility
How well the apps in this stack work together
3/6 pairs known
Integrations
Notes
No known integration between fyrst and sage-lohn
No known integration between lexoffice and sage-lohn
No known integration between sage-lohn and finban
Apps & Services in This Stack
Each category below shows the recommended app or service and alternatives. Click on any item to learn more.
FYRST
Deutsche Bank's digital business banking offering. German reliability with modern features.
Why this choice
Trusted by thousands of fellow Handwerker across Germany. Fyrst offers Deutsche Bank reliability that tradespeople prefer over pure fintechs, with seamless integration to German accounting software that has been battle-tested in daily workshop operations.
When to switch
Only if you need more modern fintech features or international payments.
lexoffice
Popular German accounting software by Lexware. GoBD-compliant, great for small businesses.
Why this choice
The most popular choice among German tradespeople for a reason. Fellow Handwerker trust lexoffice for invoicing, expense tracking, and EÜR filing because it just works. Most Steuerberater in the trades already know lexoffice inside and out.
When to switch
Upgrade tier if you add additional services or expand workforce significantly.
Why this choice
Battle-tested by Handwerk businesses for decades. Sage Lohn is the go-to payroll solution that fellow tradespeople rely on for apprenticeship contracts, overtime calculations, and construction site regulations that generic payroll systems simply cannot handle.
When to switch
Only if your Handwerk business transitions to a non-trades business model.
Alternatives
Accountable Tax Service
Combination of tax software and human tax advisors for freelancers.
Why this choice
Popular among similar Handwerk businesses because they truly understand the trade. Fellow craftsmen recommend Accountable Tax for quarterly estimates, material depreciation, and tools/equipment write-offs that are specific to daily workshop operations.
When to switch
Only if your Steuerberater retires or no longer understands your business.
Alternatives
Why this choice
Essential for Handwerk businesses managing project deposits, material costs, and payment delays from clients. Fellow tradespeople use finban to visualize upcoming cash gaps between expensive material purchases and delayed customer payments.
When to switch
N/A
About This Business Type
Handwerk (skilled trades) in Germany carries cultural significance and regulatory structure unlike anywhere else. From electricians to carpenters to plumbers, the Handwerkskammer system provides structure, training, and regulation. Your finance stack needs to work within this framework while enabling modern operations. The financial realities of Handwerk are distinct: material costs can be significant, labor is your primary value-add, and customers often pay after work completion. Job costing—understanding profitability per project—is essential. Your pricing needs to cover materials, labor, overhead, and profit, with clear documentation for customers and tax authorities. Mobile operations are common in Handwerk. You need tools that work from the job site—mobile invoicing, expense capture, and time tracking. The days of returning to the office to do paperwork are fading; modern Handwerker manage finances from their phone between jobs.
Common Challenges
- Job costing with materials and labor
- Mobile operations and paperwork
- Quote accuracy and scope changes
- Seasonal demand variations
- Apprentice and journeyman management
Compliance Requirements
- Handwerkskammer membership and rules
- Meisterpflicht for licensed trades
- Tarifvertrag and labor rules
- German invoicing requirements
- Vehicle and equipment depreciation
Why This Stack Works
- Mobile invoicing from job sites
- Material cost tracking
- Simple job profitability analysis
- DATEV-ready for Steuerberater
- Works with limited office time
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Meister certification to start a Handwerk business?
For 53 'Meisterpflichtige' trades (including electrical, plumbing, HVAC), yes—you or a technical manager needs Meister certification. Other trades are 'zulassungsfrei' and don't require it. Check your specific trade with the Handwerkskammer. Some experienced professionals can get Altgesellenregelung exemptions.
How should Handwerk businesses price jobs?
Calculate: direct material costs + direct labor hours × hourly rate + overhead allocation + profit margin. Know your fully-loaded hourly cost (including insurance, vehicle, tools). German customers expect itemized quotes. Track actual vs. estimated on completed jobs to improve future pricing. Don't undercharge—quality Handwerk deserves fair payment.
What's the best mobile invoicing for German Handwerk?
lexoffice has a good mobile app for on-site invoicing with German compliance. Create invoices immediately after job completion for faster payment. Include photos of completed work. For more Handwerk-specific features, consider Plancraft or similar industry tools that connect to accounting systems.
How do Handwerk businesses handle materials in accounting?
Track materials as cost of goods sold (Wareneinsatz) for each job. Either: (1) bill materials at cost plus markup, or (2) include in overall job price. Keep receipts and match to jobs for job costing. For inventory (stock materials), track purchases and usage. Your Steuerberater needs clear material cost records for tax and profitability analysis.
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