Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I`m thinking of buying QuickBooks Pro to manage my company`s accounting/invoicing/inventory, etc.   I`m not a computer software person at all!  In fact, I don`t even know what questions to ask.  I need to know how it all comes together, from when the order comes in, to when it`s shipped, to invoicing, to inventory management.   I`ve been through so many of the threads to try & piece it all together, but I`m still coming up short.  So please bear with me as I describe me needs, in very simplistic terms!

I`m manufacturing a game that`s going to be sold online and in stores.  Small specialty toy stores to start with ... hopefully larger retailers later.  The games will be shipped from my manufacturere in China to a warehousing/fulfillment company that I`m working with. 

So as I have orders coming in from my website, and orders coming in from retailers, does QuickBooks Pro pull it all together for me?  Are retailers usually hooked up with a system that will automatically send purchase orders to me through e-mail?  Should the orders come to me first & then I forward them on to my fulfillment center?  What other things should I be concerned about as I consider software programs like QuickBooks Pro?

Please help!  I`ve got to get smart fast (& I`ve got a long way to go!)

Thanks so much!

Mary Kay 

  

Many many many companies use QuickBooks Pro (myself included).  I went to my local community college and took the class (which I highly recommend).  I`m computer illiterate also, so I needed someone to spell it out for me.  I don`t have my product in hand so I have not used it to it`s fullest capabilities, but from what I got out of the class, it will do pretty much what we need it to do as manufactures.  Take the class though!  I know our local SBA office offered the class, but the community college was cheaper.  Good luck!

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

Thanks Leslie!  I`ll check out my local community college & see if they`ve got anything.  Being so VERY computer/software illiterate, not only do I need to have things spelled out, I don`t even know what questions to ask! 

 

My suggestion is go with Quick Books Pro, Im a quick books User. Although, for some time I was using the Computer Installation version I decided to go with the online Version since I`m getting a book Keeper that`s out of the state and a CPA that`s about 1 hour away from me. To sum it up, I couldn`t send a Database file for the CPA or for the book Keeper to Update all the time, So I went with the online version so all three of us can log in at the same time and go over everything.
The invoicing is done through your quick books very easy. Quick Books offers tutorials and step by step end user manuals.
So I would try to use that. I think you can download a free version and if you feel comfortable then upgrade to the full version.



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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

Thanks!  I`ll also want my accountant to be able to have access to my financial records.  Should I be looking at downloading the online version rather than just buying the software from my local Office Max? 

Mary Kay

See here is the thing, for the online edition you don`t have to download anything. You simply create an account online and "PRESTO", you are on the roll. See the reason why I decided to go with the ONLINE version is because, all the updates and upgrades are "free" with your subscription so you are always up to date and always have the latest version. If you purchase it, let`s say at Office Max, or Office Depot, everytime they release a new version let`s say next year Quick Books 2008, you have to buy the upgrade, why go through the hassle? If you add the monthly online fee to the full price for buying it, it`s the same price. And! if you`re going to share with your accountant, it`s much easier to make him a Login Name and give him access, than having to install it on two computers and go back and forth.


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Edgar Monroy
Web Developer / Owner / Consultant
When starting your own business the need to "know-how" is greater than money!
http://www.nuevolution.net

hi kay
If you are interested in receiving online PO`s - you need to look into a system called EDI - all of the department stores and bigger retailers use this.  Basically it is a program that allows you to send and receive purchase orders electronically.  It is an expensive program.  However, most large fulfillment centers already have it in place.  The PO`s should go directly from a department store to the fulfillment center via EDI.  Also - QB PRO does a very poor job at managing inventory - but if you are only selling 1 item then I do not think that you will have a problem.  I hope that this information is helpful!

Mary Kay, for the typical small business, I think Quick Books works great and is very easy to use/learn.  If you`re a big department store or huge retailer, then I would say look into EDI - but if you don`t already know what it is, you probably don`t need it right now.  Again, for a typical small business, QB does a great job with inventory.  Remember with anything on a computer - the information you get out is only as good as you put in.  Study the tutorials or take the course or even get the free limited tuitorials.

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Donna - Dance to the Song of Life!
Owner - The Basquet Case Market & Gifts
www.thebasquetcase.com

I just love this place -- thanks to all for the terrific advice!  It helps so much to have all of your expertise here.  I think I`ve decided that QB Pro is the way to go for me.  I only have 6 sku`s right now, and I probably won`t be selling to the "big box" stores for awhile.  EDI`s a bit out of my league for right now.

Mary Kay