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