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I know a lot of topics have been posted on which software to use, but none of them answer the questions I have - so please read on as I would be grateful for the experience of those well established bookkeepers out there!!
I have just taken on my first client who requires me to have my own software rather than me going into their office and using theirs. They are about to set themselves up as a Limited Co.
I have been researching the costs etc of Sage and Quickbooks to see which path to go down.
I have used both systems as I have clients who use both, so the question here isn't which is the easiest to use as I am completely comfortable using either.
Obviously Sage is extortionately more expensive and so price wise, for what you get, the Quickbooks Pro-advisor Club is a no brainer - all you get for such a small (well when you compare to Sage it is) annual fee.
However - out in the real world how does Quickbooks fare?
Is it good to use for the clients - easy to provide them with all of the information that they need when it is actually held elsewhere and not on their premises for them to dig into when they wish?
Is it suitable for passing on the accounts to Accountants for preparing a company's annual accounts?
Will it limit me getting more new clients? Do they want you to use Sage or do they just let you get on with it?
Also - does anybody pass on the cost of the software to their clients? Or is it just something that you bear? It just seems a little unfair that the ones who provide their own software are paying the same as those who have you provide the software for them. Maybe an annual software fee??
I would truly appreciate any advice that I can get.
Thanks
Sandra
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- Member PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 117 posts
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Hi Sandra
Have you considered using a system other than Qb or Sage? Unless there are particular areas like stock control or multi-currency then you may find VT+ best when considering cost, simplicity, flexibility, no new versions to update etc.
Qb reporting is very good, so no issues there when passing to client or accountant.
If you get one or the other then you will always make some potential clients pleased and others less. As the professional you need to be confident with your choice of tool and show it in how you sell it to them. eg I use AVG for anti-virus, but if my IT guy (if I had one!) said use McAfee, then I would.
In most circumstances, it would be a very rare client that would let us get away with passing on the cost of our tools as an 'annual software fee'. If you anticipate more coming then it will pay for itself, if not, I would try to factor it into my hourly/monthly rate, so it isn't obvious. If pushed by them you could remind them that they are saving the costs of a workstation at their office. Also if you don't need to visit their site you are saving on travelling, eg for me going into London only once a month could cost £150 a year and add on 20 hrs travelling on top of that!
Just me but between the 2 Qb just edges it! New version 2012 might be coming out soon.
Regards
Andrew
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Thanks for your advice Andrew
Very much appreciated
Sandra
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Hi Sandra
I have used Quickbooks (various versions) since 2002. I have also used Sage and have trained using Sage for the various ICB Exam levels. From a personal aspect, I find Quickbooks easier, more versatile, more logical, easier to correct errors and very easy to produce reports and information. For me, its a no brainer.
My son is a chartered Accountant and swears by Sage, but from a different user perspective to the everyday user.
Hope this helps
Barry
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- Companion Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 50 posts
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Hi Sandra
I am a Quickbooks fan and use it for all my clients, both those who have their own software and those who just want me to get on with it and let them have the reports that they need when they need them. I think QB reporting is way more easy to manipulate than Sage to give the client just what they want/need.
The beauty of Quickbooks is that your licence allows you to maintain unlimited company files - unlike Sage where the Client Manager version is extortionate. So you have no need to keep buying software or to pass the cost on to the client. Providing your own tools (eg software) is one of the ticks to say that you are NOT employed by your clients from a tax point of view also.
I have recently added VT+ to the software I use, but am yet to be conviced that it will be more useful than Quickbooks.
As far as getting clients is concerned, those who don't want their own software don't care what you are using. Those who already have their own software will want to keep on with what they have unless you are VERY persuasive. I have obtained most of my clients by being registered as a Quickbooks ProAdvisor and getting contacts from their website.
As far as producing information for Accountants is concerned, provided you can get a clean TB, bank reconciliation, a/r and a/p reports that seems to keep them happy. They don't like how QB treats VAT, but as long as you understand it and can explain then they can usually cope.
The alternative is to investigate fully online versions of bookkeeping software - I haven't tried the ICB product yet, but I'm sure Garry would sing its praises! QB does now have an online version, but I have not used it and have heard mixed reviews.
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- Companion Fellow PM.Dip
- Practice Licence
- 1137 posts
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Hi Sandra
Its Sage more for me . I have never once had a client ask me to use quickbooks, but would have no problem if they did . Most of clients need all the modules that Sage provide to run their business incliuding the stock, CIS Module and Project costing.
Sage reporting structure has completly change in the new version 2012.
With regards to pricing you do not have to buy the software each year as some have said in other posts on the forum . The software belongs to you.
It is up to you whether you want to upgrade or pay a annual renewal you do not have to.
Edited at 24 Aug 2011 06:42 PM GMT
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I've been looking into this but I can't find a version of quickbooks that can be purchased for a one of fee. Both the online version nd the desktop versions seem to be a monthly charge.
Can anybody point me to the page where you can buy the software for a one off fee please?
Thanks
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Hi Colin.
You can get Quickbooks for a one off fee in a number of places.
I sold some to members a while ago. I have one copy left - Pro2010, the latest version.
If you send me an email to info{at}accountslegal.co.uk I can let you have the details in case you are interested.
Geoff
Note - change {at} to @ in email address. Members might like to adopt this when they are putting their email address on the forum, it stops spammers lifting your email address.
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You can get the Quickbooks ProAdvisor for a one off (or annual) fee - you get multi client Quickbooks, payroll software, advertising on their site and a helpline.
Here is the link.
http://quickbooks.intuit.co.uk/accountants/for-accountants.jsp
Regarding all of your comments about which package to go for - I think I have had my decision made! I have a client who is using Sage and his books are in such a mess - I know from correcting another clients Accountants errors in Quickbooks that the corrections process is much easier in Quickbooks than Sage plus it seems over all a much more user friendly system. And the cost is a large factor too.
Thank you for all of your advice.
Kind regards
Sandra
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- Fellow
- Practice Licence
- 109 posts
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Great Topic, Sandra Glad to here you business is going well. I have opted for Sage as I have used it before and most accountants I have spoken to prefer SAGE. But it is expensive.
However I have a propective new client that is using Quickbooks and they said they would print items out and I could re-enter them in SAGE - now that sounds like hard work.
Three options - 1- I buy and use quickbooks - keen to get to grips with new package.
2- export out of quick books and inport into SAGE IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE
3- Re-eneter data - hard work.
Option 1 sounds best but additional cost. Geoff and Sandra I will follow you links to find the best cost.
Clare
Edited at 30 Aug 2011 11:57 AM GMT
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