wsr business software

[toab]

Hi fellow wsr's..I was wondering if there was any special business software pre configured to our business just like the glass installation people and autobody tradespeople have.If not then I was wondering what seems to be the most popular software in our business & is it fairly easy to setup and use?

[toab]

This thread seems to be dead..Lets try this again.I recieved this free demoware for" simply accounting" business software. But I think the most popular software you techs use is quickbooks right? Do you techs use pro or just basic.Is anybody useing simply accounting?Info would be nice as I am just getting set up now for wsr bizz as well as future pdr bizz . thanks

[Robin Hood]

I use a free software that took me a little time to learn but that is because I had to learn a little bit about accounting first.

One step accounting

http://www.enablecomputing.com/ShowPage ... nofollow=y

[repare-brise]

Toab

I would check with your accountant as to which software he/she prefers, using a non compatible software can cost you big time when it comes to your yearend tax report(assuming you are Inc, and not LTD). We use simple accounting, with good results, remember you don't need a program that is configured for high traffic count, you may only generate 8-12 invoices a day, and have only a couple hundred regular customers.

At Your Service

[tyler99]

My comments are based on you being a single tech shop. My comments might be a little different if you were going to have techs/employees on the payroll.

You can't get wrong with QuickBooks (Pro or Basic). I think Pro's biggest extra feature has to with downloading data into excel or word. Most accoutants and CPA use QuickBooks and can usually just have you give them a copy of the data to review or prepare your taxes. QuicKBooks 2006 is fairly easy to set-up and tutorials will walk you through it. An accountant/CPA can give you extra training, if needed. Try to get the upgrade pricing as it is a lot cheaper that way, if you can.

Unless you are going to carry your laptop with you at jobs, you will be entering information after the fact. You will need to get sales forms that you will enter after the fact into QuickBooks.

Microsoft also has a new accounting software called Small Business Accounting. It is very similar to QuickBooks. You may be able to get a free copy of SBA as MS is trying to give away market share right now. Most accountants that I know do not use this software yet so you would likely need to provide printed reports to your accountant. No big deal.

Really, the software itself doesn't matter much. The important thing is to enter your data faithfully and correctly so you will have good information. You should also use the software to build goals for yourself.

For example, I typically will look at my prior year monthly sales number and determine that I want to beat it by XX%. For me, I find it really pushes me to excel to higher levels.

These are the reasons to have good data:

- Monitor and manage expenses throughout the year
- Manage cash flow by reconciling the bank account timely and reviewing accounts receivable
- Review sales frequently and strategize monthly/annual goals
- Tax planning and preparation

I hope this helps.

Tyler

[toab]

Thanks tyler/ yvan & robin hood for the advice.My accountant is giving me the choice between quick books and simply but I am going to go with quickbooks as it seems to be easiest and most popular.As for the freeware my concern is compatibility,backup support from my bookeeper/accountant and longevity in the marketplace without major upgrade or obsolescence as well as being able to network with others useing the same product.The bookwork will probably be my nessesary evil in the bizz.I'd rather be fixin than writin'.I think my wife will like doing that end anyways.Thanks again fellow techs.