Plant Nursery

[RichFranck]

I am currently using QB Pro 2003 to run inventory for a Plant Nursery. Is there other software that I should consider using?

-Rich Franck

[hartford]

Hi RichFranck
There's more accounting software out there than Tulip varieties. Why are you looking and what do you find lacking in QB?

[RichFranck]

Hartford,

I'm just wondering if there is software specifically designed for Nurseries ... with names of plants, plant sizes.

[plg]

Rich, here's half an answer.

When I was selling POS systems I got a call from a couple of local garden centers, both looking to change from old DOS based systems.

One had a general POS system. The other didn't have POS, just a "back room" type system that did handle inventory plus some other features I could not offer with any of my programs.

The program they had would not only handle the inventory, but I would print the tags that wrap around the stems for identification. Also, they could print "care & feeding" instructions that could be attached to the plant.

So, I can tell you there is very specific software out there. I just can't remember the name. If you're a wholesale nursery, talk to some customers. If you're a retailer, talk to some of your not too local competitors.

And, the best place to look for specific, vertical market software is the back pages of trade publications. If there are publications like Nursery Notes, Garden Center Management, etc. these are excellent places to look. Also user groups, associations and forums devoted to your industry.

Keep in mind that QB is basically an accounting program. It is very simple to keep most of your specific business in a vertical market program and simply post daily sales into QB. Sort of like entering Z-tape totals. You might find a program that exports to QB, also.