I've tried a couple of things so far from an excel sheet to trial downloads of some programs and I just can't find the right thing for my business. Unfortuantely, I need something that isn't going to break the bank to purchase so to speak. What do you use?

QuickBooks Pro. I've used many others over the years and this is my favorite. I think it's one of the most user friendly for the non-bookkeepers as well.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I just happen to use Zoho Crm (www.zohocrm.com) - it has a function where you can do invoices as well as follow leads on potential clients. It is also customisable. And best of all, it's free!

It does take some getting used to first, tho.

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Julia Neal ...because we ♥ admin!
http://julianeal.wordpress.com

I use Quickbooks, which is user-friendly. A client uses Peachtree, so I am teaching myself that as we go along.

I am going to check out Zoho, though, because I am researching CRMs for some individuals.

Quickbooks Pro all the way! It's very user-friendly and forgiving of errors.

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Lily Chambers, The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
Author "How to Do Your Own Small Business Bookkeeping"

I also use QuickBooks Pro and love it!

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Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

I use QB Accountants Version and have all my clients on there as well (with the exception of one large manufacturing client who has a superfancy, super expensive program that I don't like all that much). If you're just getting started try the free Simple Start edition. For many people it's sufficient until you get started and can invest in the Pro edition which runs just under $200.

Another that is decent but I don't recommend it for the long-haul is Quicken Home & Business. Personally I like Quickbooks a lot better, but Quicken H&B is cheaper and can get you through, again, until you upgrade to QuickBooks Pro.

HTH,


Lanel Taylor
Taylored Office Solutions

Thanks for the info ladies; I was leaning towards QB myself but just wanted to see what everyone else found works for their VA business. I tried the Simple Start and hated it after I had input all my data.

I've never heard of the other program mentioned, Zoho. I'll give it a look though.

I agree, Quickbooks is a user friendly program. It's well worth the cost.

Originally Posted by Nanners74

I tried the Simple Start and hated it after I had input all my data.

Why didn't you like Simple Start? I haven't used it except for the few times I've changed my view to the Simple Start view so I can help a client who had questions so I'm not too familiar with it. But, I'm curious what you didn't like in case that's something that you'll deal with in QB Pro.

I've used QuickBooks since it was DOS based so I have quite a bit of experience with it. I probably should play around with a Simple Start company just to see how the program differs.

I went through the pains of trying to find a program when I first started my bookkeeping business. With little experience in QB, at the time, I researched to no end for an accounting program that did not intimidate me like QB did at the time.

I downloaded free trials of various ones and just became more frustrated. In my research I found that most businesses preferred QB. So, I bought the pro version and have not regretted it since. I have not had to add any companies to mine other than my own since I log into my client's server and use their QB.

It is well worth the business expense and it no longer intimidates me. I have learned much from the QB q & a sections on their website. I am a "hands on" learner and if I have a question about an entry, I just call their CPA. I believe this is essential to be able to do this since I am not a CPA. The trick is finding one that will work with the bookkeeper. I had an experience where one would not. Come to find out, the reason why was because he was not familiar with QB. So, the company hired one that was and it worked out fine.

I luv QuickBooks Pro, and have been using it for years and years. I use it for both my personal and my business accounting to keep up with things myself, do my invoicing, etc. I do have a bookkeeper thought that takes care of my books, the payroll for my husband and I, taxes, etc., but I like to know where I am financially all of the time, and QB is the best way I know how. I don't usually upgrade every year ... in fact, I used 2005 until earlier this year. I upgraded to version 8, and absolutely love the new interface.

Terry

I use Quickbooks Accountants edition and I use MYOB (www.myob.com.au). Really depends on what the client currently uses and if I can convince them to swap to QB. I've used MYOB since 1997 and I much prefer QB.

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Kylie Short
Tilda Virtual Services - Making virtual personal

Lanel,
You menetioned you use QB Accountant version. My question is can you upgrade from QB Pro to the version? I am just starting my VA business and will not be offering full bookkeeping services right at first but will be adding in within the first 3 - 6 months. I don't want to pay more than necessary but if it saves in the long run I'd rather just purchase the accountant version right off.

Correct me if I am wrong. The only way to do full charge bookkeeping for clients remotely/virtually is with the accountants version???

thanks
LoriLee

I do bookkeeping for clients remotely and I only use QuickBooks Pro.... this is the version that most clients use. If you are doing their accounting remotely, you don't need the software at all because you are working on their software that is loaded onto their computer.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services