Quickbooks? How is it? - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

I have never used QB before. How helpful is it in handling your books?

#2 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

Hi Margaret, I have been using the Simple Start version of QB because it is free. I find that it has been more than enough for my business. I don't have employees or need to accept credit card payments, so I am very basic. I just need to raise invoices, record expenses and payments and spit out a report for my accountant. He said it was great. It is very easy to understand and you can even customise your invoices with logo etc to brand it for your business. Of course - being free was even better! At the press of a button I can see how my finances are for any given period of time and see who hasn't paid. Obviously if you have payroll it makes it a bit more difficult, but I find it's perfect for me. In Australia we don't have a version for Mac as yet, but I just run it in Parallels on the PC side and it's never been a problem.

#3 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

Originally Posted by Marie Chandler

Hi Margaret, I have been using the Simple Start version of QB because it is free. I find that it has been more than enough for my business. I don't have employees or need to accept credit card payments, so I am very basic. I just need to raise invoices, record expenses and payments and spit out a report for my accountant. He said it was great. It is very easy to understand and you can even customise your invoices with logo etc to brand it for your business. Of course - being free was even better! At the press of a button I can see how my finances are for any given period of time and see who hasn't paid. Obviously if you have payroll it makes it a bit more difficult, but I find it's perfect for me. In Australia we don't have a version for Mac as yet, but I just run it in Parallels on the PC side and it's never been a problem.

Thanks for that. I got Simple Start and wasent sure if I would be using it for my business but I think that I will give it a looksy

#4 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

Hi Margaret:

I have used QuickBooks as well as PeachTree and prefer any version in QuickBooks. It is simple and easy and most bookkeepers, accountants, etc. are or should be familiar with the software.

Like Marie stated, Simple Start is a good way for a new business. I actually use QuickBooks online for a small monthly fee of $9.95 and am thinking of converting into the Pro version in 2009 as funds become available and my virtual assistant business grows.

Let us know how it works for you. Have a wonderful day!

#5 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

I recently took a class. I thinks its pretty intuitive and I can't wait to start using it in January.

#6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

I've been using QuickBooks since 1997 when I started a retail business, and have 'graduated' to the Premeire Accountant version which covers all the different business formats. I love it. Wouldn't live without it. It is fairly simple to learn once you get through the interview at the beginning.

#7 (**permalink**) 12-02-2008

As a bookkeeper for many years I have used numerous different programs and QuickBooks is my favorite. I use it exclusively in my business. I agree w/ Marie, Simple Start may be sufficient for what you need, so I would test it out and see. You can always upgrade to Pro if you need something more advanced.

I'm a QB affiliate also, so if you decide to upgrade let me know and I'll see what kind of specials they are offering then. They always have affiliate deals you can't get if you go directly through their website.

#8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

Hi Margaret,

I too have been using QuickBooks for many years. It's been a long time since I've looked at any other accounting programs, but I can't imagine using anything else.

#9 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008

Yall ROCK! Ok I got a Simple steps program, so now I wanna take a QB class and get my feet wet.

Thanks guys!

#10 (**permalink**) 12-11-2008

Quickbooks was my favorite hands down for many years until I tried using it's credit card processing feature. I used quickbooks this summer for an event which I helped to coordinate. At the event we sold quite a bit of items using my quickbooks credit card processing account. The application was not only extremely slow but in the end I got hit with a bunch of charges. Be careful if you use this option.