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.