QuickBooks vs. Simply Accounting

[Jack@Canada]

Even though I have QuickBooks Basic 2001 (Canadian version), I haven't really used it and I'm still considering getting the right package for my business.

I wonder what's the difference between QB and Simply Accounting? I know the two programs have been on the market for a while, they are priced similarly and it seems they are indeed similar in terms of what they can do. Are there any major differences, advantages or disadvantages between them that I should be aware of?

Buying a new accounting software is not easy and thus I'd appreciate any creative comments you may have.

Thanks!

[plg]

No comparison. I am not a lover of QB by any means, but SA sucks.

There really is no comparison at all. I ordered a SA demo a year, or so, ago just to see how it's changed over the last few years. I used to sell small business systems and sold and trained in most of the "name brand" low end (under $ 1,000) programs. SA hasn't kept pace with QB or MYOB.

I usually suggest MYOB, since I hate the way Intuit keeps digging into users pocketbooks, but since they have bought MYOB in Canada, there is probably little difference.

Choice between QB and SA - QB 7 - SA 3 scale of 10.

I also had a terrible time getting a refund from SA. All kinds of hold times, wrong department, etc. A real hassle.

[Jack@Canada]

Thanks for your reply.

Over 10 years ago I got Simply Accounting and it was a terrible program back then, but I'm sure it has changed considerably since then. But my needs weren't that great at that time and I bought Quicken. I've used Quicken for almost 10 years and overall, I'm satisfied with this program. But since I'm planning to actually provide bookkeeping services, of course I have to get a 'real' accounting software.

I've seen some QB reviews which were extremely critical due to the payrol module and the annual costs associated with it. Unfortunately, I know that Intuit's customer service is costly--I had to make a few technical support calls regarding Quicken and even though the problems appeared to be caused by Quickne, still I had to pay. But obviously, you can't have your cake and eat it!

I haven't used MYOB, but I'd rather go with QB, as this program can 'grow' as my needs grow.

By the way, do QB or SA used 'debit' or 'credit' entries? I've studied accounting and thought those programs would be similar to what I've studied, but it appears that they are designed for non-accountants and no knowledge of accounting is required.

Jack

[plg]

Can't recall on the SA, but I think you're correct. Sort of "Accounting for Dummies."

[Oleg]

"I usually suggest MYOB, since I hate the way Intuit keeps digging into users pocketbooks, but since they have bought MYOB in Canada, there is probably little difference."



Plg,

I am just interested in finding more info about Intuiot bought MYOB in Canada. How can I find it?

[plg]

Do a google on MYOB Canada. Seems Intuit bought it out and began shutting it down. Kept prepaid support money, etc.

Here's a clip from one board -

Thanks for the tip. I'll contact them to see if it can be applied to AccountEdge. The class action suit addresses the refunding of support payments and misleading advertising about the need to upgrade software. It does not question Intuit's right to stop selling MYOB in Canada. I am hoping to force Intuit to refund anyone who paid for product support over the past year by proving their intent was to discontinue MYOB all along. Not easy, but not impossible. I am also hoping a sympathetic judge will agree that forcing customers to buy expensive upgrades by purposely making payroll updates non-functional on older software is actionable. This could set an important precedent that would have an impact on software vendors everywhere.

plg again.

The payroll updates issue is at the heart of my "anyone but Intuit" feelings. I've sold a number of programs that allow you to simply enter the withholding data from Table 7 - Annual Payroll Period in IRS Pub 15T and be done with it. Everyone thinks you need all those individual tables, like in the book. Just ain't so. A couple of simple percentages and From & to limits and you're done. And the withholding are much more accurate, not rounded to dollars, but actual percentage amounts.

Just like a real payroll program....

[crazysonoran]

Jack,

If you are used to Quicken then QuickBooks will be real easy for you, one major difference is Quicken is single entry accounting and QB's is double-entry.

[Jack@Canada]

Dave,

Yes, I've used Quicken for many years and I've gotten really used to it. I know that QB us a double-entry accounting program--but when I tried the 2001 version, somehow I never saw any 'debits' or 'credtis'--my understanding is that since it's for non-professional accountants, this program has been somehow 'simpliefied'--am I right?

Thanks,

Jack

[crazysonoran]

Yes, no need to remember which account to debit and which one to credit, all of that is handled internally in the program, If you were to even just look at a typical invoice the debits and credits are very complex.