What to choose...

[F_corbin]

Hello everyone....

I am at the dawn of starting my first small business and would like to know if someone has advice about what software to pick...

Of course, the cost is a big contributor, but beyond that, what are the differences between the two major packages everyone hears about : QuickBooks and Peachtree....

Any thoughts ?

Thanks

[dringstrom]

In a nutshell, comparing QuickBooks with Peachtree is sort of like comparing a Ford with a Chevy...both will get you where you want to go, it's just the interiors and the engines are laid out a little differently from each other.

QuickBooks seems to work better for folks with little or no accounting background. However, if you're good with accounting, QuickBooks can sometimes drive you crazy.

If you have a CPA or other professional that's going to be advising you, you'll do well to go with whatever package they prefer. Hope this helps.

[F_corbin]

Thanks a lot for the answer... it is somewhat what I was expecting.

Since we will be consulting a CPA, would you recommend to wait until we have that person selected and make sure they are familiar with the software package we will choose ?

[dringstrom]

Absolutely. You'll get better service from the CPA if they understand the package that you select, plus they should be able to help you with setup, training, troubleshooting, etc., or at least connect you with a resource that offers those services.

Indeed, the CPA should also be able to help you with the software selection. I wouldn't base my CPA pick on the software...I'd find an advisor that I trust, then determine the software from there. The advice and guidance is much more valuable to your nascent business than the software is.

[F_corbin]

That makes very good sense.

I saw from your website and phone number that you offer those services in the Atlanta area. Do you have any recommendations for a CPA in the Hickory, NC area ?

Thanks again,

Francis Corbin

[dringstrom]

I'm not familiar with any local firms in your area. However, each state has a state society of CPAs, e.g. the Georgia Society of CPAs, that typically offer referral services.

[FrankM]

You did not mention in your post what type of business, employee status, payments you will be receiveing, ie electronis transfers cc or wires or cash.
Will inventory be involved?

I have used both in my 16 years of running a small business.

[F_corbin]

Frank,

The business will be service based, therefore no inventory involved. As far as employee status, there will only be the tree partners for now.

That said, I found Peachtree Accounting basically for free after mail-in rebates... from everything else I gathered, there was no hesitation....

Thanks for your intereset,

Sincerely,

Francis Corbin

[Dave Carlson]

I've never really used Quicken but I've used pt for 7 years and I can tell you its become expensive...from first buying it like you said "free' they are now charging me multi-user license for all upgrades ($500.00) and $130.00 a year for tax tables...also because pt was "off the shelf" software I've had to find different ways to make it do what I need. i don't know what you are setting up but I can tell you from experience if I had it to do over again I would look real hard at specific software fpor my industry...it might cost more to start with but in the long run it might have been the better choice...
Dave

[annie51ks]

I've used both PT and QB Pro for many years. They both have quirks, but PT has a much stronger inventory than QB. QB is a lot more user-friendly to beginners and seems to have less software problems. Neither has sufficient custom report designing capability. They both can lock you into costly payroll and/or payroll tax update subscriptions, not to mention expensive annual upgrades. QB also locks you into carrying a HUGE data file from year to year if you want prior year data easily available, unless you can figure out how to set up a new company file each year and transfer data. I haven't been able to figure that one out. PT at least allows you to setup/transfer to a new company file each year so your data file is manageable. I'd agree with a previous post about checking for an accounting program specific to your industry if it's possible. And be prepared to troubleshoot any problems that arise on your own.

[FrankM]

Hi Frank, Even though you found PT for free!!! Look out for subscription fee for PR, I think you should check ou QB SINCE you are a service based company. If you have limited accounting experience I would reccomend QB. Once you start a system a conversion can be a time consuming nightmare.
If you are not deep into setting up PT I highly reccomend DL a free QB trial and put them both throught the test.