I'm nearing the end of my 30 day free trial with QB Online, and I was wondering whether any of you seasoned QB users can give me the pros and cons of using the online version rather than purchasing the software outright.

The two main advantages of the online version that I can see are that (1) I will always have the latest upgrades without additional software purchases; and (2) the $9.95 monthly fee is more "do-able" at this point in my practice.

But the advantage of purchasing the software outright is that over the years that $9.95 adds up to be more than the cost of the software plus occasional upgrades.

Oh, another advantage to the online version is that my accountant can also access what I'm doing easily.

What am I missing?

Charlotte Flowers
JUSTCALLCHARLOTTE

Well, it sounds like you already know most of the pros and cons. However, I personally wouldn't use an online program for my bookkeeping, which stores my bank account info, credit card numbers, tax id numbers, etc. I don't care how secure they "say" it is. Also, what happens if their server goes down or they decide in 2 years that they no longer want to continue the online service or they raise the price?

Personally, I don't pay for anything on a monthly basis, I think it's a ripoff. I would rather pay $150 and buy it once knowing that I "own" it than pay a monthly fee indefinitely to rent something. Plus, you get updates for free, although you do have to pay to upgrade to a newer version.

As far as easy access, I use logmein for free remote access.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

I completely agree with Rebecka. I have a computer friend who grins and says "I can hack into anything, I just don't feel like it." I don't trust online security. I mail a cd-rom of my files to my client's CPA every 6 months and she emails changes/corrections, if needed.

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

From a personal standpoint I just don't' like QB online. I don't like the online program and how it works so I wouldn't use it for that reason alone. But, I also don't like the monthly fee. I have programs that I pay monthly fees for but I don't see this one as a good option. Personally, I'd invest in the desktop program.

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Lanel Taylor, CVA ~ Virtual Bookkeeper
Taylored Office Solutions
Custom fit solutions for all your office needs.

See? That's why I asked. I knew you all would have wisdom to share from your own personal experience and knowledge that I could benefit from. I bow to that wisdom and will purchase the software outright myself.

It is so wonderful to be able to learn from others, and not to have to reinvent the wheel, or fall in the same holes others have already climbed out of!

Major con.... if you want to input info into quickbooks but your internet is down, you won't be able to access it. I go over to my cabin periodically, and can work from there. Sometimes my internet doesn't work very well. I like the freedom of using it whenever I need it. It is my lifeline because all my time entry is entered into quickbooks.

QB on line isn't worth the cost. If you have a high volume of clients that you're servicing in QB it is different because you can make a small royality (commission) from adding businesses to your main account, which ends up paying for your service. Yes like with all things online you run a risk of security with it, but your budget is the bottom line.

I always advise my clients to invest in programs like Log Me In or Go To My PC so we can work virtually rather than purchase the online version. AND QB now has QB Remote Access that charges you $7.95 a month after the first 6 months so you can access your clients accounts. For me it is all about saving $$$.

I agree with most of the comments- buy the program and call it your own. Safer and easier access.

Looks like most of us are saying, "Don't invest in QB online!". I'd like to share with everyone that I signed up for one of their affiliate programs and have not made a dime because as you can tell my personal view of the online program gets in the way of things. I honestly don't believe I thought the program through when I first signed up for it and now have a better mind set on what I want to achieve for my business. Everyone will experience these valleys at some point in their business. Good luck to those who do invest in the online program. I know they won't go back after their first experience.