What bookkeeping software do you use?

[KeepsakeGirl]

We are very unsatisfied with Quickbooks Simple Start and further pissed off that their website claims and sells 24/7 support for this product but once they take your $$ you get an email confirmation and NO NUMBER to call. After dialing at least 5 different #'s we finally get confirmation that they DON'T offer 24/7 support! What a SCAM.

Needless to say we need to find something else to use in the near future so we'd like to hear whats out there and works!

We also have a problem w/ balancing the books because of a refund we did for a customer who cancelled, but then retained our services again. If anyone wants to tackle this beast w/ me over PM's I would REALLy appreciate it!

Thanks!

[adirty1]

Go to ACC and take the Quickbooks class. It's worth the time and money to take it. Or you could find a CPA that will help you set up you QB so that you can do what you want but it's going to cost. QB is worth the time to learn and in the long run will help you out.

[KeepsakeGirl]

You've taken the Quickbooks class at ACC? We have a CPA but he's unfamiliar w/ QB and can't help us resolve a few of the problems we're having .

[laawaaris]

although i don't have a photography business, we use QB for our family-run business

QB is not a Pro system, so of course there are some limitations - such as splitting checks across invoices or the refund problem you mentioned - but for a small business it does a lot

unfortunately, the other systems out there (Peachtree and Great Plains (Microsoft)) are not going to be that much better - i've used Peachtree myself and QB is faaaar better IMO

i'd recommend that you post an ad on Craigslist and ask for a professional QB consultant to come and show you ... if you are willing to pay the hourly rate, they can come to your office and teach you some things

[adirty1]

Originally Posted by KeepsakeGirl

You've taken the Quickbooks class at ACC? We have a CPA but he's unfamiliar w/ QB and can't help us resolve a few of the problems we're having .

I would find a new cpa.
QB is becoming the standard in small business and POS for the budget minded folks.

Yes I have taken it and it's worth the time. You will probably need to take both classes. They run you through how to set up your business or more truly a moc business. Plus the people that teach the classes are working professionals in the business.

there are ways to do rebates and to split payments on QB. I give a cash rebate and have done refunds before.

Peach tree is for the CPA. That's a hell of a program to just sit down and try to learn. We used that in College. sheez the nightmares are coming back.

[brad]

I've used QB for 10+ years and not had any trouble with it... and you can split a single check over several invoices... so I'm confused on that claim.

Of course, I have QB Pro... maybe that's it?

[bondarnes]

We used Peachtree for a couple of years. It is expensive to buy and the annual upgrades are also expensive. It is designed for larger businesses than photo studios. We converted to quickbooks about three years ago and have never looked back. It is much easier to use and the annual upgrades are much more affordable.

You probably should upgrade simple start to a more professional version. I think that and some classes would solve your problems. Another advantage to using QB is that when you get too busy with photography to do the financials it is very easy to find someone familiar with QB to step in as a part time bookkeeper. One of the reasons we converted was that we had a new bookkeeper who was a QB whiz and it was cheaper and easier to convert than to train her to do Peachtree.

And I agree. You should find a CPA that knows QB and one that has one or two other photographers as clients. The photo business is not like any other animal.