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stupid question? re: software for clients

  • 82 posts
  • # 79032

Hi all,

Please forgive me for what seems a particularly stupid question, but if you have clients that do not have any accounting software presently (they have a manual book with a few weeks data in it), if you do their bookkeeping for them on a software package (such as sage) do they need to purchase it also? Or would it be enough to provide them with the profit and loss/balance sheets at regular intervals, and send them more reports/information as requested? I am going to be the only person adding any information to the books as far as I am aware.

told you it was a stupid question! I think that I know the answer, but then I questioned myself after reading some other posts and wanted to check.

(maybe I just need to go to bed and think again in the morning!)

  • 1159 posts
  • # 79047

Hi Cheryl,

There are no stupid questions.  Unfortunately your question doesn't have a simple yes/no answer either though.  It really depends on the model you choose to use.  Some bookkeepers charge clients directly for special software they need to buy, others (like myself) absorb this cost.

One point I would make though, is that if you have a client who worked quite happily with a cashbook perhaps Sage is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.  Have a look at VT Transaction+ instead.

Kris 

  • 82 posts
  • # 79048

Hi Kris,

Thanks once again for the advice - can always rely on you to tell it how it is! another bookkeeper has also suggested VT, so I am going to download the trial software tonight.

exciting timesSmile

  • 47 posts
  • # 79050

Hi

I was wanting to ask something similar today so thought I would add onto this thread if you don't mind!  I have potentially my first client lined up (thanks to the ICB website) and wanted to ask, if the client has a simple debtors ledger book and is not a fan of any IT package and they just want it kept up to date would you suggest it to be put on a spreadsheet at the very least.  Sage for their needs would be an overkill, I think an Excel spreadsheet is all that is required, but as a bookkeeper is it something that we should be recommending or if the client is happy with things as it is do you just go with what the client wants.  I think as I am from an IT backgroung my fingers always itch to get the software out but I don't want to make the client uncomfortable if this is not what they may not want.  At the end of the day, will a spreadsheet make things any better for them or is it just me being a geek!

  • 82 posts
  • # 79059

Hi Shazans,

Personally, I would go with what the client is comfortable with. In my case, they have said to me to go for whatever system I like - whatever is the best way to get the job done, which is great, though a bit intimidating in the first instance.

I wanted to get to the stage where I could do the work from home, as the client is a bit of a drive away, which is why I wanted to set up computerised books of some description, whether it be excel spreadsheet like Stevo suggested in another link or VT + like Kris suggested, that way, they could have a copy of the books on site whilst I am updating for the next week or month. Plus like you, I have slightly geeky tendancies and like a spreadsheet Laughing

  • 220 posts
  • # 79063

I love a good spreadsheet.

Unless they are VAT reg'd, then I tend to prefer a proper package.  I prefer Sage, but I'm doing a lot of work for an accountant on Xero.  It's pretty good software but has a few little things that I find annoying.

  • 1159 posts
  • # 79071

Cherylsaid:

“can always rely on you to tell it how it is”


Oops, am I too blunt?

Regarding the manual v's computer.  I would explain the benefits of computerised bookkeeping to the client and if they were convinced that they wanted to pay more for manual and I had the time I'd happily oblige.  If they want 3 times the bill who am I to refuse their money.

If I couldn't spare the time, I'd be honest and tell them that I could do computerised but I didn't have the time to devote to manual bookkeeping.

Hope this helps.

Kris 

  • 82 posts
  • # 79100

Kris - not too blunt, just direct. Directness is good, you know what you are getting! My comment was meant in the nicest possible way Smile

  • 47 posts
  • # 79101

Thats great, thanks for all your replies!!

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