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Computer Programs

Steve_210
Steve_210 Member Posts: 646
We are a small company, we deal mainly with general contractors and do 3-30% service work.  We recently changed from excel and microsoft for billing and proposals to Quickbooks.  Maybe I just need to give it some time but so far it seems more complicated than before.  I would just like to get an idea of what the rest of you guys are using. 

Thanks in advance,



Stephen

foymechanical@aol.com

Comments

  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,506
    I......

    am also small.  I do use QB and find it's great for most things.  Just make sure you have an accountant set it up, before you find a mistake and have to go back and switch almost everything.  I do find it helps to go into the ITEM list, and constantly add every part, or a line item for every type of service.  This helps when you are generating reports.  For invoicing, try to seperate customers by classes.  You can also do estimates and convert them to invoices.  And all invoices, reports, etc., can be converted to excel, and letters to customers can be done on word.

    The main thing is, in the beginning, everytime you add a customer, or do something that's not in there, you have to add it.  Then after that, it seems just fine.

    What types of things are you having trouble with/or trying to do that you cant?
    steve
  • Steve_210
    Steve_210 Member Posts: 646
    Thank you

    Steve for taking the time to reply. I think i need to give it some time, will keep you posted
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    We use QuickBooks too

    once everything is set up, it's pretty easy.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
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  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    Qbooks love/hate relationship

    It gets the job done and doesn't cost much.  IMO it's worth it for the Enhanced Payroll alone (which, despite continuous price increases ever since we signed up, is still just about the cheapest way to automate your payroll taxes & forms. )   Despite dozens of long-unaddressed weaknesses, It has a HUGE user base (easy to get help online) and a mature partner ecosystem with a wide variety of industry-specific plugins.



    Tip: Only buy a new QB version every 3 years.  The stop support after that.  You'll save $200 or so per year on software plus a pile of time not dealing with new weirdnesses.  The payroll app is actually a separate program that gets continuously updated no matter what version of QB you run it with.
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