Quote / Invoice / P.O. Software

[Kov-Ice]

Is there a software package that would be used for small businesses that would have the above abilities? For example, it would have templates for quotes, invoices, and purchase orders. Maybe it's a suite that helps track customer orders and information. Inventory and profit/expense tracking would be useful I suppose.

Or are there different pieces of software that are used in conjunction with one another to achieve those tasks? Anyone with experience have any recommendations?
Thanks.

[Miz]

My accountant uses Quick Books (http://quickbooks.intuit.com/?priorityCode=0273600000) to keep the financial records for his business. I figure that's a pretty good recommendation.

[Panama Red]

We use Quick Books latest versions at my work also. Personally, I dislike it, but it gets the job done. They offer several different versions of the same software package. Each is tailored to your particular kind of business, ie: manufacturing, wholesale, or retail.

[Kov-Ice]

Aside from the money aspect of things, does Quick Books have the other features mentioned above as well?

[Panama Red]

The new version does. I've been helping develop PO and Packing slips. We were already using the quote and invoices.

[Kov-Ice]

Three hundred bucks is probably a good price for something like that, but it's sure a bit scary for me just starting out on this business idea. Of course, I don't suppose I'm going to find a freeware business package... Anyone use anything else other than Quick Books?

[LiVeWiRe]

Kov-Ice,

I've been looking for similar software, but primarily for the invoicing features.

Check out download.com's business software section at:

http://download.com.com/2001-2010-0.html?legacy=cnet

Most of the software listed has trial versions available (if they are not free already).

The one I'm looking at in more depth is made by Dynacom. Their website is: http://www.dynacom.com and so far the trial software is pretty good.

HTH,
-LW

[Kov-Ice]

I'm assuming C|net has checked all of the links and progs they put up on their site? I found a couple of free apps there that might work short-term, so I guess it's safe to run them?

[Miz]

I've never run into any problems with downloads from Cnet...and I've downloaded a bunch of stuff from them over the years.

However, I do scan them with an up-to-date anti-virus program anyway. It's a habit I want to keep.

[Vlad16]

QuickBooks should easily satisfy your specifications. You are a little vague on what kind of profit/expense reporting criteria you are looking for. I use QuickBooks (2003 Premiere) for several of my smaller clients (yes, I'm an accountant) and have yet to find any detrimental limitations. If you could specify what industry you are in, that would help in making a recommendation.

Look on EBay as you may be able to find for a reasonable price.

[Kov-Ice]

Miz, you'd think they'd clean everything before listing it, tho. Since the two I grabbed are both self-extracting zip files, would AV pick anything up hidden inside there anyway?

Vlad, I'm a teacher, but I'm doing video editing work and some photography on the side. I've done some high school sports videos, a few weddings, and a couple of other miscellaneous projects. I'm trying to get up and running this summer officially in the hopes of establishing at least a nice summer income, and then see where it goes from there.

Again, I'm wanting something to be able to print quotes, invoices, and maybe help track customers. I'm really very uncertain of what I need on keeping the financial side of things in order. Thanks for your help!

[Vlad16]

Getting QuickBooks may not be a bad idea as it will integrate all of your specifications. It may be a bit overboard, but it willl help track your income, expenses and customers. You can also break down your classes of services and it will track revenues and expenses by each type of service you are doing (you just need to set it up the way you want to).

[james8547]

I also vote for Quickbooks. I work as a bookkeeper and I use QB Pro 2003 at work. It is a bit expensive. However, it is fairly easy to follow (which is important since the software is only good if you know how to use it).

Another program is PeachTree Accounting software. It's less popular than Quickbooks but it does the job as well as the other software. It is usually cheaper too. I got a free copy after rebates from Staples.

The version that I have is PeachTree Accounting 2004. I wouldn't mind parting with it if you pay S&H. It's retail boxed (comes with all the brochure and user manual) and is about 3 lbs. I only bought it so that I would know how to use the software (looks good on the resume ;)).

[Kov-Ice]

james, aside from the accounting part, I'm really interested in having something with the pre-made quote and invoice templates (I'd like to get a company logo at the top of each...). Does PeachTree do that? Does it also have some sort of database for keeping track of customers and jobs? If so, I'd definitely be interested in getting it from you. Let me know, thx!

[james8547]

PeachTree has pre-made templates. You can mod them to include a company logo. It also has a database that keeps track of customers, vendors, etc., which is very similar to Quickbooks. Comparing QB and PeachTree is similar to comparing Ad-aware and Spybot.

I tried looking for my PeachTree software but it looks like I've lended it to someone. Instead of finding it, I saw a note saying that I let one of my former classmates borrow it. I tried calling the number on the paper but it's not in service. I'd have to track him down :\ Sorry about that. I'll let you know if I get it back from him.

However, you can get PeachTree from eBay for under $50. Some are ending at $9 plus S&H.

[RayH]

Kov-Ice A whole industry is built on what you need: software to manage a business. The more complicated you need it, the more it's going to cost.

I don't know what your business is. Does it have complicated estimates? Does it have fairly simple estimate guidelines. Do you need automatic inventory check?

If you have enough accounting and math skills, you can use MS Office and make your own.

[trulad]

I use "MyInvoices& Estimates" by My Software Co. You can get it at Staples for around 39.95. It does invoices,estimates,purchase orders and you can ust the built in clip art to customize your invoices. It tracks your customers,aging bills,etc. For incoicing it does a great job but it is NOT a bookeeping program.
trulad