Connect Your Tools. Stop the Double Entry.
Connect GoodEvent Business with the tools you already use. Sync invoices to Xero in 2 clicks. Accept online card payments through Stripe. Calculate delivery costs with Google Maps. Keep using the software you love while automating your event business.
Before & After Using GoodEvent Integrations
Before
- ❌ Manually enter invoice details into Xero after every booking - 15 minutes per invoice
- ❌ Chase customers for bank transfers or cheque payments - days of waiting for payment
- ❌ Manually calculate driving distances and delivery costs for every quote
- ❌ Risk data entry errors when copying customer details between systems
- ❌ Late night bookkeeping sessions catching up on invoice entry
After
- ✅ Click one button - invoice syncs to Xero automatically with all customer and tax details
- ✅ Customers pay by card instantly from the invoice - booking confirmed in minutes, not days
- ✅ Delivery costs calculated automatically based on actual driving distance
- ✅ Zero manual data entry - customer details sync accurately every time
- ✅ Bookkeeping done as you go - no weekend catch-up sessions
What Are GoodEvent Business Integrations?
GoodEvent Business integrations connect your event rental business with the tools you already use. The system syncs invoices directly to Xero for automatic bookkeeping, accepts online card payments through Stripe, and calculates delivery costs using Google Maps. Event businesses use integrations to eliminate double data entry, get paid faster, and automate the admin that eats into profitable hours.
These connections work in the background. When you create an invoice, customer details and tax information transfer to Xero automatically. When clients pay online, payment confirmation triggers invoice updates and stock reservations. When you enter a site address, the system calculates driving distance and suggests delivery costs. No manual work. No switching between systems.
Most marquee hire companies and furniture rental businesses already use Xero for accounting. They're losing hours every week manually entering invoice data. Online card payments have become standard customer expectations. And delivery cost calculations happen dozens of times per day during busy season. Integrations handle all three automatically.
Why Manual Systems Fail for Event Businesses
Manual processes create three critical problems for event rental businesses:
Data entry errors cost money: Decimal point mistakes on generator quotes. Wrong tax rates on invoices. Customer details typed incorrectly. Barbara from Cotswold Marquees says: "Good Event makes preparing quotes efficient and making changes to an order is quick and reliable." She's referring to the accuracy that comes from automated systems.
Payment delays kill cash flow: Waiting for bank transfers during peak wedding season. Chasing customers for cheque payments. Missing deposits because you're too busy on site to invoice. Most wedding planners and corporate event managers expect to pay by card immediately. If you can't accept online payments, bookings go to competitors who can.
Time disappears into admin: Fifteen minutes per invoice entering data into Xero. Twenty quotes per day calculating delivery distances on Google Maps. Evening bookkeeping sessions catching up on the week. Operations managers at event rental companies report spending 15-20 hours weekly on tasks integrations handle automatically.
Disconnected systems create gaps: Quote in one system. Invoice in another. Accounting in a third. Stock management somewhere else. When systems don't talk to each other, information gets lost. Customers get different information from office versus site teams. Stock availability doesn't update when invoices get paid.
The biggest issue isn't the time spent on each manual task. It's the cognitive load of switching between systems. Creating a quote. Copying details to an invoice. Entering invoice into accounting software. Checking if payment arrived. Updating stock availability. Each step requires opening different software, logging in, finding the right record, and entering information. Most event businesses handle 50-200 bookings during peak season. Manual processes don't scale.
How GoodEvent Business Integrations Work
Integrations connect GoodEvent Business with external tools through secure APIs. Each integration serves a specific purpose:
Step 1: Connect Your Accounts
Authorise GoodEvent Business to access your Xero account, Stripe account, or Google Maps. This happens once during setup. You control which tools connect and can disconnect anytime.
Step 2: Create Quotes and Invoices Normally
Work in GoodEvent Business exactly as you always do. Create quotes for customers. Convert quotes to invoices when bookings confirm. The integrations work in the background - you don't change your workflow.
Step 3: Automatic Sync Happens
When you click the Xero sync button, invoice details transfer automatically. When customers click pay now, Stripe processes the payment and updates the booking. When you enter a site address, Google Maps calculates the distance and suggests delivery costs.
Step 4: Confirmation in Real-Time
Invoice appears in Xero immediately. Payment confirmation shows in GoodEvent Business within seconds. Delivery cost appears on the quote automatically. Stock gets marked as booked. Calendar updates with the event. Everything happens without manual intervention.
Step 5: Ongoing Automation
Every future invoice syncs the same way. Every online payment processes automatically. Every site address calculates delivery costs instantly. Set it up once. Benefit forever.
Will from Canopi Marquees & Events explains the impact: "We came into the industry with green fingers and Good Event was going from strength to strength when we found them. The system has been intrinsic to our growth and it's been fantastic to see the system develop with us."
Complete setup takes 10 minutes per integration. Most event businesses connect all three on the same day.
Integration Capabilities That Save Time
Xero Invoice Sync:
Click one button to send invoice details to Xero. Customer name, address, invoice line items, taxes, and payment status transfer automatically. Bookkeeping happens as you invoice - no end-of-month catch-up sessions. Learn more about Xero integration.
Important limitation: Only invoices sync with Xero. Timesheets from GoodEvent Time do NOT sync with Xero. Export payroll reports instead if you need timesheet data in your accounting system.
Stripe Payment Processing:
Customers click the pay now button on invoices. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards accepted. Payment confirmation triggers automatic invoice updates, stock reservations, and calendar entries. The system sends payment receipts to customers automatically. Explore online payment features.
Processing fee is 2.4%. You choose whether to use online payments or stick with bank transfers and cheques. Many event businesses pass transaction fees to clients where legally permitted.
Google Maps Distance Calculation:
Enter a site address when creating quotes or purchase orders. The system calculates driving distance using actual roads - not straight-line distance. Delivery cost suggestions appear automatically based on your distance rate settings. Perfect for delivery planning across multiple sites.
The system also links to Google Maps integration for site visualisation. Show customers exactly where the marquee will stand. Share interactive site maps with crew members. Link directly to navigation from load lists and delivery notes.
Real-Time Two-Way Sync:
Changes in GoodEvent Business appear in connected tools immediately. Payment status updates when Stripe processes cards. Invoice records appear in Xero within seconds. No overnight batch processing. No waiting for data to sync.
Secure Connection Management:
You control which tools connect to your account. Disconnect integrations anytime from settings. API connections use industry-standard OAuth security. Your Xero login credentials never pass through GoodEvent systems.
Error Handling and Notifications:
If an invoice fails to sync, you receive immediate notification with clear explanation. Retry the sync with one click. Track sync history to see which invoices transferred successfully.
Why GoodEvent Integrations Are Different
Rentman and Current RMS were built for AV and production companies. Goodshuffle started with furniture rental in the US. None were built for the full UK events industry from day one. Generic business software offers accounting integrations, but they don't understand event-specific workflows like stock availability, seasonal booking patterns, or multi-site logistics.
Built for Event Business Workflows:
The Xero integration knows that event invoices need delivery dates, collection dates, and equipment line items grouped by category. Stripe payment processing triggers stock reservations and calendar updates specific to event bookings. Google Maps integration calculates delivery costs for outdoor sites, festival fields, and private estates - not just standard business addresses.
Xero Integration Without Monthly Fees:
Many event rental software companies charge extra for Xero sync. GoodEvent Business includes Xero integration at no additional cost. Part of using the tool, not an upsell.
One-Click Sync Instead of Complex Mapping:
Some systems require mapping every invoice field to Xero accounts before syncing. GoodEvent Business handles standard mappings automatically. Invoice line items, tax codes, and customer details transfer correctly without setup. You focus on event business, not accounting software configuration.
UK Tax and Terminology:
The integration understands UK VAT rates, Xero account structures used by British event businesses, and terms like "marquee hire" instead of "tent rental." Regional US customers get the tent rental version with appropriate terminology.
Mobile Access to Connected Tools:
Create quotes on site visits using your phone. Customer pays by card immediately. Invoice syncs to Xero from your car. Stock gets marked as booked. Calendar updates with delivery dates. All while you're still at the client's venue. Learn about mobile capabilities.
Easy Crew Access:
While integrations handle background automation, crew members access job information through simple links. Share job sheets via direct links. Display site maps using QR codes. Crew doesn't need Xero or Stripe access. They see what they need to set up the event. Management handles the accounting connections.
Katherine from Dobsons in New Zealand describes the transformation: "We have been using Good Event for several seasons now and we couldn't be happier with the service. I remember the initial meeting with them and welling up with the amount of amazing features it offers! I can't believe how we used to operate with spreadsheets and pdfs! There is no way we could of expanded how we have expanded without Good Event!"
How Marquee Hire Companies Use Integrations
Marquee hire businesses in the UK handle complex bookings with multiple equipment combinations, seasonal demand spikes, and tight delivery schedules. Integrations eliminate the admin bottleneck.
Typical workflow before integrations:
Take site measurements during morning visit. Return to office. Create quote in Excel. Email to customer. Customer confirms booking. Create invoice in Word. Enter invoice into Xero. Record payment when bank transfer arrives. Update stock availability spreadsheet. Add event to calendar. Print delivery notes. Manually calculate delivery costs based on postcode. Total time per booking: 90+ minutes of admin.
Workflow with GoodEvent Business integrations:
Create quote on phone during site visit. Google Maps calculates delivery cost automatically. Email quote to customer from site. Customer pays by card from invoice. Stripe processes payment. System marks stock as booked. Calendar updates with delivery and collection dates. Click sync button - invoice appears in Xero. Crew receives load list with Google Maps directions. Total time per booking: 15 minutes.
Gemma and Ian from Capital Marquees Essex confirm: "Easiest software I have ever used! Good Event is quick to respond if any problems arise. 10/10 from me." The ease comes from automation removing manual steps.
Most marquee companies quote 50-100 events during March-April wedding season. Saving 75 minutes per booking equals 60-125 hours saved. That's 2-3 full work weeks of freed capacity during your busiest period.
How Furniture Rental Companies Use Integrations
Furniture and equipment rental businesses manage large inventories, frequent deliveries, and price calculations based on hire duration and distance. Integrations handle the complexity automatically.
Pricing workflow with Google Maps:
Customer requests quote for corporate event. Enter site address - Google Maps calculates 47-mile drive. System suggests delivery charge based on your per-mile rate. Quote shows delivery cost automatically. Customer approves. No manual calculation. No underbidding because you guessed distance. No losing margin to unexpected delivery costs.
Payment workflow with Stripe:
Customer wants to book furniture for conference. You send invoice with pay now button. Customer pays by company credit card at 2pm. Payment processes through Stripe. System sends receipt to customer. Marks 200 chairs, 50 tables, and staging as booked. Adds event to your calendar. Notifies your warehouse team. All happens while you're setting up another event. No manual payment recording. No checking bank account for transfers.
Accounting workflow with Xero:
End of day, you've taken 12 bookings. Each invoice ready to sync. Click sync for each one. Twelve invoices appear in Xero with customer details, line items, VAT, and payment status. Your accountant has everything they need. You spent 12 minutes instead of 3 hours on bookkeeping.
Chris from DJ Marquees explains: "Good Event is a fantastic all round system for not only producing quotes and invoices, but also for the stock management. The stock management resources really help to forecast equipment and furniture shortages; making the decision to either purchase additional stock or to cross hire more transparent."
Integrations support the stock management workflow by triggering availability updates when online payments process. Furniture stays marked as available until customers actually pay, then automatically reserves when Stripe confirms payment.
How Wedding Planners Use Integrations
Wedding planners coordinate multiple suppliers, manage client budgets, and handle frequent scope changes. Integrations keep client information accurate across tools.
Client payment workflow:
Present final plan to couple. They love it. Send invoice for planning services and supplier coordination. Couple pays by card immediately. Invoice syncs to Xero. You know payment cleared before leaving the consultation. No following up for payment. No waiting for cheques to clear.
Supplier coordination with Google Maps:
Plan layouts for outdoor wedding venue. GoodEvent Layout shows floor plan for marquee and furniture. Google Maps shows venue location and access roads. Share both with suppliers using one link. Caterers see where to deliver. Marquee crew sees site layout. Everyone has directions. Explore layout features.
Budget tracking with Xero:
Wedding budget sits in Xero. Each supplier invoice syncs automatically. Client sees real-time budget status. No manual reconciliation. No spreadsheet version control. Budget tracking stays accurate throughout planning process.
Anne from Carpe Diem Events describes the importance: "Amazing software, we couldn't do our job without Good Event, especially during the busy season! It's been essential to our operations and is constantly evolving. The customer service is second to none, and the team are always looking for feedback to improve even further."
How Corporate Event Managers Use Integrations
Corporate events require clear audit trails, rapid quote turnaround, and professional invoicing. Integrations support corporate procurement requirements.
Quote-to-invoice workflow:
Corporate client requests quote for conference. Create detailed quote with equipment breakdown. Client approves. Convert to invoice in one click. Client pays by company card. Invoice syncs to Xero with all line items and tax details. Client receives proper tax invoice. Your accounts department has clean records. Everything documented for audit.
Multiple site management:
Plan three regional conferences simultaneously. Google Maps calculates delivery costs for Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds venues. Quote shows accurate logistics pricing for each location. No underpricing northern deliveries because you forgot distance. Multi-location solutions depend on accurate distance calculations.
Procurement compliance:
Corporate clients need proper invoices with tax details, payment terms, and company registration numbers. Xero integration ensures invoices meet accounting requirements. Stripe provides secure payment processing that satisfies finance department rules. Everything documented and traceable.
Margaret from North Down Marquees explains: "A well-known event organizer, who has worked with us for over 20 years, called specifically to praise the new quoting process. He loved the layout, the clarity, and the ability to see images instantly. That kind of feedback is rare, so it was great to hear!" Professional systems win corporate business.
Common Integration Mistakes
Event businesses make seven frequent mistakes when implementing integrations:
Mistake 1: Waiting until tax time to set up Xero sync.
Consequence: Spend three weeks manually entering a year's worth of invoices. Your accountant charges extra for sorting messy records. Set up Xero integration before wedding season. Every invoice syncs as you create it.
Mistake 2: Not offering online payments because of transaction fees.
Consequence: Lose bookings to competitors who accept cards. Wait days for bank transfers. Chase customers for payment. The 2.4% transaction fee costs less than lost bookings and time spent chasing payments. Most successful event businesses pass fees to clients where legally permitted.
Mistake 3: Manually entering delivery costs despite having Google Maps.
Consequence: Undercharge for distant deliveries. Lose margin. Waste time calculating distances. Let the system calculate automatically. Adjust rates if needed. But start with automation, not manual calculation.
Mistake 4: Creating separate invoice records in both systems.
Consequence: Duplicate data. Different versions in GoodEvent versus Xero. Which is accurate? Use the integration. One invoice record. Synced automatically. Single source of truth.
Mistake 5: Not testing payment workflow before customer tries.
Consequence: Customer clicks pay now. Payment fails. Booking lost. Test Stripe integration with a small payment. Confirm receipts send correctly. Know the system works before customers use it.
Mistake 6: Assuming timesheets sync to Xero.
Consequence: Wait for timesheet data to appear in Xero. It doesn't. GoodEvent Time timesheets don't sync with Xero. Export payroll reports instead. Import into payroll software. Clear expectation prevents frustration.
Mistake 7: Not setting up integrations on mobile.
Consequence: Create quotes on phone during site visits. Can't accept payment because Stripe only works from office computer. Wrong. Integrations work on any device. Create quote, send invoice, accept payment - all from your phone at customer's venue. Mobile capabilities include full integration access.
Choosing Event Business Software
Built for Events vs Adapted from Other Industries
Generic business software offers accounting integrations, but they don't understand event industry needs. Construction rental software tracks daily hire but not wedding weekend packages. Retail point-of-sale systems accept payments but don't handle delivery dates and collection schedules. Generic CRM platforms sync to Xero but don't know about stock availability or seasonal demand.
GoodEvent Business was built for event rental businesses from day one. The Xero integration knows to include delivery and collection dates on invoices. Stripe payment processing triggers stock reservations and calendar updates specific to events. Google Maps integration calculates delivery costs for outdoor sites, private estates, and festival fields.
When choosing event business software, look for:
Event-specific integration features:
Does Xero sync include equipment line items grouped by category? Does payment processing reserve stock automatically? Does Google Maps suggest delivery costs based on your rate structure? Generic integrations sync basic invoice data. Event-specific integrations understand your workflow.
UK business standards:
Does the software understand UK VAT rates? British terminology like "marquee hire" instead of "tent rental"? Xero as the standard accounting platform? Software built for US markets often misses UK business requirements.
Mobile integration access:
Can you sync invoices to Xero from your phone at a site visit? Can customers pay by card while you're still at their venue? Can you calculate delivery costs on mobile? Event businesses don't work at desks. Integrations must work wherever you are.
Questions to ask software vendors:
- Which accounting platforms integrate? (Xero is standard for UK event businesses)
- What invoice details sync automatically? (Customer data, line items, taxes)
- Do online payments trigger stock reservations? (Critical for availability accuracy)
- Does Google Maps calculate delivery costs automatically? (Saves hours every week)
- Do integrations work on mobile devices? (Essential for field operations)
- Are there extra charges for integrations? (Some vendors charge monthly fees)
- What happens if sync fails? (Clear error messages and easy retry)
Red flags when evaluating software:
- "We integrate with QuickBooks" (most UK event businesses use Xero)
- "Integrations available in enterprise plan only" (basic features shouldn't require premium pricing)
- "Setup requires technical expertise" (event businesses need simple configuration)
- "Payment processing requires separate merchant account" (Stripe should handle everything)
- "Integrations only work from desktop" (mobile access is essential)
Richard from Peninsula Party Hire in New Zealand confirms: "We can't recommend Good Event enough! The Team are great to deal with, fast at replying to our queries and always fast to fix anything. There are always updates which only improves the system more." Software built for event businesses understands event business needs.
Integration Access & Compatibility
Access from Any Device
GoodEvent Business integrations work on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones. No downloads required. No separate apps to install. Open your web browser. Log in. All integration features available immediately.
Create quotes on phone during site visits. Delivery costs calculate automatically via Google Maps. Send invoice to customer. They pay by card through Stripe. You sync invoice to Xero before leaving their driveway. Everything happens from your phone.
Easy Crew Access (No Login Required)
While integrations handle backend automation, crew members access job information without needing Xero or Stripe accounts:
Share via direct links: Crew clicks link and sees load list with Google Maps directions. No login required.
QR codes: Print QR code on job sheet. Crew scans with phone. Opens delivery note with site address and navigation link.
Simple permissions: Management controls Xero sync and payment processing. Crew sees delivery information and site details. Right access for right roles.
Perfect for temporary staff during busy season. Casual staff management doesn't require training crew on accounting software.
Integrations Available
Xero:
Sync invoices directly to your Xero account. Customer details, invoice line items, tax codes, and payment status transfer automatically. Keep financial records current without manual data entry. No extra cost for Xero integration - included with GoodEvent Business. Explore Xero integration details.
Stripe:
Accept online card payments from customers. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and all major credit cards supported. Payment confirmation triggers automatic invoice updates and stock reservations. Customer receives receipt automatically. Booking confirmed instantly. Processing fee is 2.4%. Learn about online payment features.
Google Maps:
Calculate driving distance to event sites automatically. System suggests delivery costs based on your per-mile or per-kilometre rate. Shows site location when creating quotes and viewing job sheets. Links to navigation from delivery notes and load lists. Essential for delivery route planning.
Works with Other GoodEvent Tools
Integrations connect across GoodEvent products:
GoodEvent Time for crew scheduling:
Schedule crew for delivery. Load list shows assigned staff. Google Maps shows site location. Crew clocks in using geofenced time tracking. Hours export to payroll reports. Note: Timesheets don't sync to Xero - export payroll data instead. Explore GoodEvent Time.
GoodEvent Maps for site planning:
Create site plan showing marquee placement. Google Maps integration shows venue location. Share plan with customer and crew. Load lists link to navigation. Learn about site planning.
GoodEvent Layout for floor plans:
Design venue layout with furniture placement. Attach to quote. Customer pays via Stripe after approving design. Invoice syncs to Xero with layout attached. Explore floor plan features.
GoodEvent Docs for site forms:
Create delivery sign-off forms. Customer signs on tablet when equipment arrives. E-signature triggers invoice payment. Payment processes through Stripe. Everything connected. Learn about digital forms.
Getting Started with Integrations
Set up integrations in three steps:
Step 1: Connect Xero (10 minutes)
Go to settings in GoodEvent Business. Click connect Xero. Authorise access to your Xero account. Map invoice account codes if needed. Start with Xero setup.
Step 2: Enable Stripe Payments (15 minutes)
Go to payment settings. Click enable online payments. Connect or create Stripe account. Set transaction fee handling. Test with small payment. Set up online payments.
Step 3: Configure Google Maps Rates (5 minutes)
Go to delivery settings. Set your per-mile or per-kilometre delivery rate. Choose distance calculation preferences. System starts calculating costs automatically. Learn about delivery features.
Total setup time: 30 minutes. Value delivered: Hours saved every week forever.
Time to value: Start seeing benefits with your first invoice sync. Customer pays by card, payment processes, invoice syncs to Xero - complete booking workflow in 5 minutes instead of 45 minutes.
Tom from Bemanic Events describes the impact: "We've used Good Event for nearly two years and it's helped our company leaps and bounds. Not only are the guys at Good Event extremely helpful, but the software is easy to use, reliable and professional, making the clients interaction with us when booking a marquee an absolute breeze."
Related Resources
Other GoodEvent Business Features
- Xero Integration Details
- Online Payment Features
- Invoice Management
- Quote Creation
- Stock Management
- Job Sheets
- Accounting Features
Industry Resources
- Marquee Hire Software
- Tent Rental Software
- Furniture Rental Solutions
- Equipment Rental Software
- Wedding Planning Tools
- Corporate Event Management