Quickbooks Online? - Virtual Assistant Forums

kathyh · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

I've just gotten a new client (just yesterday!), and one of the things he wants me to do for him is create a new Quickbooks account for him.

I have used Quickbooks online very briefly and didn't find anything too negative about it, but I only used it like twice. But I have heard both good and bad about it!

Has anyone used Quickbooks online that can share with me their experience? I'd like to offer this as an option to him rather than buying the Quickbooks software, installing it on his computer and then allowing me access to his computer.

Thanks!

Kathy Harmacek
Your Virtual Aide

lanelt · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

I use QuickBooks quite extensively. I literally have the program open about 30 hours a week and am working in it. I've used QuickBooks since it was DOS based many years ago. With that being said I do not like the online version. Part of that could be that I'm used to the desktop version and like it. The online version is different from the desktop version and I think it's more restrictive. Any client's I have using the online version get converted to the desktop version for me to work with them. Besides the fact that I just don't like it the cost can add up when you're looking at a monthly fee over a few years.

Another option to not having to log in to his computer is to find a remote hosting company (do a google search for Quickbooks Hosting). This will have a monthly fee also but it's using the "real" program as opposed to the online version. This is what I do with all my clients. I have a private server that I keep all their data files on and we both can access it at any time. My client's LOVE this option.

Gems Virtual Office · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

Thanks Lanel I hadn't heard of Quickbooks Hosting before...that would solve quite a few client concerns and questions....you learn something new everyday coming here

Do you recommend any particular hosting company? And with the per montly user fee I keep seeing I"m assuming I would have just one monthy user fee no matter how many clients I have.... and then each client would also have their user fee?

lanelt · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

The one I used before I went with a private server was MyRealData.com. I subcontracted for two people who used them. The one never had problems, the other had so many clients on the server that there were some issues which is why she went with an in-house solution.

I'm not 100% sure on the pricing but I think that's how it works.

Honestly, after hosting my QB files this way I won't do it any other way. I have a few clients who were hesitant at first but every one of them loves it now. I even had a client that was debating whether she wanted to outsource her bookkeeping and when she saw that I offered this solution she signed up without a problem.

Gems Virtual Office · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

Great thanks Lanel I'll take a look at the site you recommended.

lanelt · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

I actually was on webseminar today that was a presentation on this topic. You can try www.swizznet.com. I was impressed with their presentation.

Fox Valley Virtual Services · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

I actually use both the desktop version and the online version for 2 of my clients. The one that I use the desktop with gives me access to her computer via GoToMyPC, which can get a little hard at times if the client is trying to use her computer and I am trying to do her books.

My other client started out using the desktop version. We were file sharing back and forth for quite awhile until he decided that wasn't the best way to keep track of his company files. We switched to online about a year ago. I am so used to online now that it doesn't bother me to go back and forth. The online version is a little different and takes some time to get used to. The layout is a little different and the way you access different parts of the program take some getting used to.

If I had my choice, I would chose online for sure. It is secure, there is no need to access another computer and no need to send company files back and forth. The downside is that there is a monthly fee for this version, where the desktop is a one-time fee.

I hope this helps you and if you have specific questions I would love to answer them for you!

Stacy

kathyh · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008

I've never heard of Quickbooks Hosting either. Thanks for suggesting it, the more options I can give my client the better off I will be.

I also have a problem with sharing a desktop when I use LogMeIn with another client, and try to get to his books. I might suggest the quickbooks hosting for him as well.

AwesomeAssistant · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2008

I have several clients that use QuickBooks online and we all love it. Your client can have administrative access and then give you accountant access or another user access. The client feels secure and you can do the work from anywhere.

kathyh · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

Hi Sue, Does the cost outweigh the positives of using QB Online? IF you do the math for the cost eventually the online version will exceed just buying the software outright, although I guess if someone buys upgrades every year it's a moot point.

Kathy
Your Virtual Aide

Fox Valley Virtual Services · #11 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

Kathy I agree with you. I think for some it is more a personal preference. I purchased the desktop version for myself because I couldn't justify the online charge. Although I haven't upgraded my personal program to 2008 because of cost, at some point I am sure I will have to.

AwesomeAssistant · #12 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

Hi Kathy,

I believe the value received is worth the cost. It's constantly updated so you don't pay for upgrades each year. There are discount options available also. There's also the convenience of using it wherever you are at and not having to be at your desktop. Of course, this is just my opinion.

Honeybizzle · #13 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

Hi Kathy,

I agree with you it is kind of a moot point if there is an upgrade every year. I have 2 clients using QB online and they love it. If you have used QB desk top it does take a little time getting used to the online version.

Teresa

kathyh · #14 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

I actually purchased the Simple Start version at the beginning of the month, and love it for what I need it for. I also do the books for someone with the 2003 (I think) version, who has never bothered to upgrade.

At the beginning of the month, I started a trial version of QB online for another customer so I could get his P&L to his accountant who had a different version of Quickbooks than I did. But I really didn't play around much with it. It actually didn't seem all that bad to use.

Now I have a new client who is looking to me to start his QB, and organize his financials and I really want to give him alot of information so he can make the decision of which one is for him.

Thanks for all the feedback!

Kathy
Your Virtual Aide

Office Support Online · #15 (**permalink**) 07-05-2008

Wow ladies - thank you! I didn't even realise there was an Online version. I have a couple of clients that are asking if I can do the data entry for their sales, raise invoices etc. I use the free version of Simple Start, since I don't have to worry about payroll and have wondered how to do these sorts of tasks without having to be at the client's premises. Looks like I have some more researching to do this weekend. ;-)