I need some info!

[Sheilah]

I was hoping to find some info regarding Quickbooks and some enthusiastic comments about it. We are a small business (5 employees) still doing our books manually, using check protectors, the whole bit! I have been told to gear up for Quickbooks Pro but since I'm not sure what it's all about, can anyone give some insight?
Thanks,
~Sheilah

[johnm]

Quickbooks Pro is great for someone just getting started. When your company outgrows it (in a few years), a lot of bigger programs will allow you to convert your data to a new general ledger program. If you have an existing chart of accounts, you can get rolling in a few hours on quickbooks. I heard that Quickbooks 2002 will be released in December 2001. You should wait and buy the new version. I twill save you over $100 when it is time to upgrade Quickbooks.

[K Edwards]

Howdy Sheila,

I just wanted to say that I have been using Qbooks Pro to set up various small businesses for years now. I have used various versions of the program to do so and I have found my customers to be quite happy with the results. However, contrary to what they tell you, companies do need some accounting background to properly use the program. Also, the accountant copy is not a smooth way to interact with your accountant. It is better to send them a full copy of your program and have them give you the changes to make and make them yourself.

The new QB Pro 2002 supposedly had a new way to handle this by providing the accountant a way to access all your data in real time via the internet. However, so far, I do not like the 2002 version for other reasons and so I will not be buying it for myself or recommending it to my clients.

I wish you success.

K Edwards

[smithbarker]

Please elaborate! We are using QB2001, and all I have read so far praises the upgrade. Please share your misgivings? I will be using it for a manufacturing application.

Thanks

[K Edwards]

To elaborate as to why I do not want to upgrade and will not advise my clients to upgrade. QB2002 has completely changed the bank reconciliation format. In the new format, you no longer have a list of uncleared checks, etc. when you do your bank rec. From what I hear, QB did this because "clients wanted a shorter report". This may be fine if you have a very small company and don't need this info because you can do a manual report. But in a larger company, it eliminates a very important part of the bank rec. report. You can still generate a report that gives you the information, but it is a pain and an extra step.

Also, if someone accidentally unclears an item in the register, it is very difficult to correct. Hopefully you will notice it before you do your bank rec. Because it changes the beginning balance. And you will have to do a separate bank rec. to correct the problem. You have to figure out which check was uncleared, adjust the account balance and then reconcile the account. This can be VERY time consuming compared to the prior versions. There is no way to simply clear the item in the register like you used to be able to do.

My understanding is that QB is aware of the problems but has no date for resolution of them. Sounds like waiting until the next version to me. I am advising my clients to buy 2001 off the internet until the problem is resolved. I wish you success.

[smithbarker]

The company said that a fix was released on 3/5/02. Have you seen it? Is not a fix for the shortcoming?

Thanks

[carltons]

I have been using QuickBooks Pro 2002 for several months now and my reconcilliation reports include uncleared transactions.

Carlton

[Inglimo]

I have been using Quickbooks since it was Quicken for DOS!! I have been upgrading here and there ever since-now up to Quickbooks Pro 2002. I absolutely love the program. My husband and I have been self employed for 12 years -using QB since the start. We have had as many as 5 employees at any one time. It is absolutely wonderful!!!!! Everything is easy to use. The data entry is easy and you don't have to have a detailed Accounting background - What you need to know is in the manual. It handles payroll effortlessly, tracks and prints 1099's, W-2's, etc. You enter transactions (hand written checks, deposits, accounts receivable, bills). It automatically writes checks used to pay bills. It's great. Any other questions? I'd be happy to discuss.

[hartford]

Sheilah
My insight from the UK is that Quickbooks (I use QuickBooks Pro 2002) is an absolutely outstanding program for small and even some large businesses. You'll see a lot of complaints & moans in whese forums but if you use it correctly and if you have an accountant who understands it you are on to a winner. Many users want perfection like a hand tailored suit. This is off the shelf software and amazing value for money. It will transform your accounting work.
Go for it!
Good luck
Hartford