Nicola started this topic @ 15:27 on 10/05/2006
Hi
I am starting up as a sole trader and I am looking for recommendations for easy to use and cheap accounts software for a small business.
I don't have much accounting experience so nothing too complicated!!
Thanks
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Nicola - Organic Essence
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
fastfences | 10/05/2006 09:11 PM
Hi Nicola,
have a look at www.kashflow.co.uk
I use it as do many small businesses. They even offer a free 60 day trial; something I reckon you won't get anywhere.
Cheers, Nigel
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Startups Awards finalist 2005.
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
creacom | 10/05/2006 09:54 PM
Hi Nicola,
I would have to recommend KashFlow too.
We have been using it for almost 5 months now and its excellent. Trust me, I was someone who hated anything accounting, mathematical etc and this has been the perfect solution. Easy to use, does everything you would expect from a bookkeeping software and the price is fab.
Give the free trial a go and see what you think.
Jacqui
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www.creacomdesign.com
Graphic Design • Web Design • Print
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
James Smith | 11/05/2006 09:42 AM
If you want cheap then excel is probably the cheapest solution, it really depends on what you are doing what is the best solution for your business.
I would ask your accountant as a first stop if they have any suggestions - it makes a lot of sense to use something compatible with what they are using. I often give out a basic excel templates to my smaller clients who don’t need anything fancy, happy to send it out if you email me with basic details about your business so I can give you something suitable.
Shameless plug, I also have an ebook about keeping simple records:
http://www.jamesesmith.co.uk/ebooksmallbus.htm
I can see Kashflow looks pretty good for the non-accountant as it looks very simple to use, I am however surprised that Jaqui thinks its cheap – it appears to have about the same features as the entry level Quickbooks/Sage (which are about £35) but priced above Sage Line 50/QB Regular which is ‘proper’ accounting software with an awful lot more flexibility and options (priced about £120), plus there is an ongoing fee with Kashflow against an outright purchase for the other titles. I suppose the real sales pitch is simplicity, where in my mind I see lack of useful features!
Regards,
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James Smith
Chartered Accountant
www.jamesesmith.co.uk
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Your indispensable guide to Small Business Bookkeeping, Self-Assessment & VAT
RE: RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
creacom | 11/05/2006 12:33 PM
Originally posted by: James Smith
II am however surprised that Jaqui thinks its cheap
I never said it was "cheap" James, I said that price is "fab" and in my opinion it has all the features I need for my business including reports on activity, expenditure, income, VAT and a few others that I cant remember of the top of my head.
I have to admit that I spent very little time looking at the other options on the market but I went with what I thought was best for me - and I was right !
Might not be right for everyone but I would at least suggest doing the free trial to see. You dont have to give any payment details and there are no ties whatsoever at the end of it.
Jacqui
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www.creacomdesign.com
Graphic Design • Web Design • Print
RE: RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
DuaneJackson | 12/05/2006 03:10 PM
Originally posted by: James Smith
I can see Kashflow looks pretty good for the non-accountant as it looks very simple to use, I am however surprised that Jaqui thinks its cheap
Hi James,
Do the prices you've given for the other products take into account the additional cost of support and some of the other 'hidden' charges?
Duane.
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Officially the most satisfying accounting software in the UK:
Read More.
Try it now for free at www.kashfow.co.uk
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
D George | 11/05/2006 02:58 PM
I find MYOB very easy to use, although my accountant wanted me to use Sage.
James is right look for added features that you may need in a years or twos time or as your business grows you will find yourself looking for a new package anyway and needing to migrate all your data that could be difficult.
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Damian George MBA
Senior Dealer
Corporate FX
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damian@tri-fx.com
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RE: RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
seanpearman | 11/05/2006 03:30 PM
I would recommend sage......purley because I use it, and so do millions of others. It looks difficult, but once you have played about etc its straight forward.
As others have mentioned........If you have to change accounts software later on when business is booming, it will be simply annoying having to re key the data. Plus, if you want to intergrate systems, payroll etc it is easy with sage. Also, third party software generally have a built in intergration with sage.
Hope this helps....
P.S Not spamming, but I have sage Instant accounts v12 on offer at the moment (£109.99).
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Sean
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RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
Comspec | 15/05/2006 10:09 AM
Personally, I intend to record everything I need to on spreadsheets. I will obviously speak to my proposed accountant beforehand & ensure I am recording everything the way he wants it.
I have used numerous accounting systems in various jobs over the years & I have seen enough to know - you tend not to know what exactly you need from an accounting package until you are up and running for a while.
Keep it simple & cheap at the beginning.
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www.ComspecComputers.co.uk">href="http://www.ComspecComputers.co.uk">www.ComspecComputers.co.uk - Home/Business Computer Services
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
seancollier | 15/05/2006 10:18 AM
I've been looking at MYOB BusinessBasics. Its about £50 from some retailers, and looks as though it's agood buy. Can anyone tell me otherwise?
Sean
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
Nicola | 15/05/2006 10:32 AM
Thanks everyone for your recommendations!
As I don't have much accounts experience and could probably do with advice I think I would be better spending some money on an accountant, so I am going to email James and see about using his spreadsheets.
I will get to see my website today which is being built by Vengavenga so I am very excited! I will be selling luxury Organic Skincare and Haircare Products and hope to start trading in the next fortnight - scary but exciting!
Thanks!
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Nicola - Organic Essence
RE: Cheap Accounts Software - any recommendations?
helshop | 29/05/2006 09:20 AM
Hi
I use MYOB Business Basics and love it. My accountant has set up a website www.hereforhelp.co.uk to help people choose their software. MYOB can be upgraded as your business grows (am looking forward to the day when I need to!) and doesnt have an annual fee like Sage.
Hope this is of help.
H
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www.helshop.co.uk">href="http://www.helshop.co.uk">www.helshop.co.uk Your online card and craft supplier