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7 Things to
Consider Before Buying Small Business Accounting Software
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by:
William
Siebler
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The world of small
business accounting software can be a minefield for any business
owner. However choosing the right package is one of the most
critical business decisions you will make.
Here are the seven things you must consider before making a purchase
that will help you achieve your businesses goals.
1. Scalability
Businesses change over time so it's critical that the small business
accounting software you choose can change too. Some things that
often change are the number of products and services offered and the
number of employees. When you choose your package try and imaging
the business in 5 years or 10 years time and how different it will
be. Use this information to guide your purchase decision. It may
well be better to pay a little more now for the software knowing
that it can be easily
upgraded when needed with minimum disruption and cost to your
business.
2. Support
It is important that any software has great support for when
something goes wrong (and it always does). Most major companies
offer support but you also need to think about support in your local
area. It's often much easier to have someone locally come in and do
things you need done with your software than have someone trying to
help you over the phone. Make some
enquiries with other businesses about the package they use and who
helps them.
3. Accountant Interface
It's most unlikely you will handle every aspect of your businesses
accounting. Your accountant is an important factor in making the
right decision. What software are they used to working with and what
do they prefer? Can you easily supply them data and reports from
your package without the need for any extra work (which you'll have
to pay for). Don't be afraid to ask their opinion as they live and
breathe this stuff.
4. Best Value For Money
Once you have selected the right package for your business you may
as well get the best value. Shop around as the price can vary
greatly and the product is exactly the same. Online merchants such
as Amazon may offer better pricing because of the sheer volume of
products they sell. However price is only one part of the equation
so if their is great merchant locally with support or installation
assistance this may be far more valuable.
5. Major Brands
There are two major players in the small business accounting
software market. They are QuickBooks and Peachtree. Microsoft is
expected to enter the market soon. I recommend choosing a major
brand so that you can get regular updates and you know the company
will be around as long as your business needs them.
6. Ease of Use
Ease of use is a personal thing but it is worth trying the software
before you buy it if you can. Remember to get the person who will be
the main user to test the software as well. Also consider how well
the package can interact with other software you use. This is an
advantage the Microsoft package may have when it's available.
7. Features Needed
I touched on this earlier when talking about thinking ahead as to
where you business will be in 5 or 10 years time. Most accounting
software packages come in several different versions. If you don't
need certain features now and can't see a need for them in the
future then don't buy them. The major differences are usually -
number of users allowed, inventory management capability and number
of reports available.
To sum up think ahead when planning your purchase of small business
accounting software. You will make a much smarter business decision
that will save you plenty of trouble and money in the future.
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