Simple Accounting Software OT

outbidyou2, Jul 1, 6:56pm
Yes, seriously OT but posted in Computing and guys here have probably gone down this road.

Looking for accounting software that not only creates invoices but QUOTES as well. I have been looking online recently, Xero, MYOB and am having a little trouble, Xero seems good but a little tricky to get the Quote Form organised, I had downloaded the free trial of MYOB and typical of others I have seen, the Invoice option is prominent but nothing for quoting. What software provides simple, effecient quoting on top of invoicing, statements, tracking etc!

Your experiences/comments appreciated
thejazzpianoma, Jul 2, 6:45am
Not to knock jmma but MYOB is a horrible clunky over priced and over hyped piece of rubbish. Its the Hyundai of accounting software, all marketing and nosubstance.
My personal preference (having tried pretty much all on the market because of my job) is cashbook complete. The great thing with that is you can try it fully functioning for free for quite some time.
Download it from www.acclaim.co.nz
Its simple to use but super powerful, designed in NZ and best of all you are allowed to download and upgrade to the latest version anytime you like. Unlike MYOB which want to sell you the "new" version at extortionate cost every so often.

EDIT, oh and yes it does the quotes which you can change into invoices just as you want.
hopie, Jul 2, 9:23am
I do accounting software, MYOB is really just a home business software package. What we do (and accredited partner) is called Exonet, which MYOB did buy shares into a few years ago and re-branded it MYOB Exo.

We have clients from single user Machanics to multi user construction companies.

???A large number of users across multiple locations
???Stricter control over the general ledger
???Graphical visibility via management dashboards into how your business is performing
???Advanced stock management across multiple warehouse locations
???Fully integrated Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
???Importing of stock from overseas suppliers
???Management of jobs, including, quoting, labour charges, tracking and reporting
???Assembly of goods
???High volume of transactions
ema1, Jul 2, 3:29pm
How about Synergy Business Solutions!
supernova2, Jul 2, 3:52pm
As someone who has had a finger in the accounting world for the last 40 years I wouldn't use MYOB if it was the last thing on earth.Honestly a slate and a scribe would be faster and easier.Unfortunately can't give any recommendations for a package that will do the quote thing as have never had a need for such.Jazz's suggestion might be worth a look especially if you can get a decent free trial period.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 2, 4:01pm
Yip, trial period goes for quite some time ( I think it is based on the size of your file so you might not get the 12 months I recently got on one!)
Once you are happy you just enter the code and carry on.

You should give it a try sometime supernova if you have a need at some point, I tried so many different ones and cashbook complete was just such a breath of fresh air after the others.

I can't get over how something so easy to use can also be so powerful. Even running multiple machines off one data file is a breeze and doesn't cost you extra for the functionality.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 2, 4:02pm
Was this directed at me!
If so. that's a bit freaky how much you know about me!
helsbels2, Jul 2, 4:11pm
We use Synergy and are very happy with it. Does everything I want it to do including quotes and then can just turn them to invoices. Only thing I would like changed is the ability to alter the labour module it is back to front and you can't alter the labour content once it has been added to an invoice but without adding it to the invoice you don't have a total price it is very easy to put labour hours to the wrong person. Also it dosen't do payroll so still use a different package for that but spits out GST at the push of a button. Not cheap either
supernova2, Jul 2, 6:14pm
A relie uses MYOB for his business cause his daughter siad it was good cause they learnt about it at school.His business is a service industry where he needs to be able to tell a story of work done, total hours and materials supplied.He (and the daughter) have never been able to make it work properly and his invoices look like something a 2yr old produced in free play art.I'll have a look at that cashbook complete when I got nothing to do for an hour or so.
kandjaja, Jul 2, 6:30pm
I'm with Jazz - Cashbook Complete is what I use and it is fantastic.Simple to use and it does everything. And its cheap.
tonijo, Jul 2, 6:41pm
I looked at MYOB and Quickbooks years ago - and Quickbooks won hands down for usability and intuitive feel.They are both pricey however - I'd definitely look at Cashbook Complete first.I am still using a very old version of Quickbooks, but it's a pain as it will not run on Windows 7, so have to run XP Mode for it.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 2, 6:47pm
Interestingly Cashbook Complete is in a lot of ways quite similar to Quickbooks, only better IMO. I think you will find the transition really easy.

BTW, it sounds like you fell into the same trap that I did when I started out. Its the Suzuki Swift/Hyundai phenomenon, everyone else is going there so you assume its the best or at least a very good product. The reality is quite the opposite.

I think I deserve some style/wind up points for managing to hack on Suzuki/Hyundai in an accounting thread!
thejazzpianoma, Jul 2, 6:48pm
The Synergy people in my experience have been really receptive to feedback (although we have been in a position where they would be quite compelled to assist) . Give them a buzz, you might be surprised how keen they are to hear your ideas.
outbidyou2, Jul 2, 7:12pm
Thanks for the comments, appreciated
ema1, Jul 2, 7:26pm
No jazz but we use it at my place of work.
How do you figure I directed it at you jazz, just from personal experience is why I suggested this system, plus it's an answer to the O.P.'s question that possibly he might like to know about I would have assumed!
I know "B" all about you actually jazz.pure coincidence that you have had experience with this system too.Funny that!
pamow69, Jul 2, 7:52pm
I use cashbook complete. Have done for past 6 years. Easy to use and does everything I need. GST returns, invoices, quotes and stock inventory. Use the free trial and see for yourself.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 3, 7:29am
It was the placement and the wink that made me wonder. guess I am just paranoid! lol
timmo1, Jul 3, 7:34am
I use Xero, but mostly for Invoicing rather than quotes although there is the option to create an invoice draft which wont become an actual invoice until it is approved (i.e. the quote is accepted)

I've used a mixture of this method and a simple Google Docs spreadsheet for estimates/quotes.nothing too fancy
jason18, Jul 3, 8:07am
My Accountant is swapping me to XERO. Apparently the best out there but yet to try it.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 3, 8:52am
Not saying Xero is bad but as general advice to those reading. Be VERY careful about taking accountants advice with regard to accounting software. From being in the industry I was surprised to find that most accountants peddled some of the very worst accounting software available.
Usually they push clients into whats easiest for them as opposed to whats best for the client.
This lead to MYOB being dished out hand over fist followed by the truly horrible Bank Link Invoice Puss program during my time in that field.
kazbanz, Jul 3, 8:57am
Yep I agree totally with that.Built to last untill the "upgrade" comes along. When things go wrong fixing it costs an arm and a leg and not user freindly.
Actually I'm being seious in agreeing that MYOB is hard work to use.
thejazzpianoma, Jul 3, 8:59am
You'll keep funny man!
kazbanz, Jul 3, 9:03am
hey Jazz--that reminds me -You are the perf3ect person to ask.
If an accountant is employed on the basis of 15 years experience dealing with your specific company. Ie soposedly had intimate knowledge of your company.
Said accountant made an error that over 3 years cost you $13000 in GST overpayment how much would you expect to pay said accountant to rectify their error!