| If you are a small business owner, you either have | | | | sole proprietor, try using it yourself. Otherwise, have |
| an accountant or you are an accountant. Either way, | | | | your accountant try using it and get his/her opinion. |
| choosing the right accounting software is an | | | | Features: Dont pay for features you dont need, but |
| important business decision. Some of the most | | | | look ahead 5 or 10 years when deciding which |
| important brands include Quickbooks and Peachtree. | | | | features youre likely to need. If you dont need them |
| Here are some of the important features to look for: | | | | now, you can always check and see if your package |
| Adaptability: Small businesses in particular tend to | | | | can be easily upgraded to add features you may |
| change over time, and you need to make sure that | | | | need in the future. |
| the software you are buying today will be just as | | | | QuickBooks is by far the most popular accounting |
| useful tomorrow. Are upgrades offered? How much | | | | software, but then again there are many versions of |
| trouble and expense is required to upgrade? How | | | | Quickbooks available on the market. QuickBooks |
| often are upgrades offered? Todays software is | | | | comes in Basic, Online, Pro, and Premier editions. The |
| likely to be obsolete in 5 years. | | | | Pro Edition features tools such as the Cash Flow |
| Support: How much support is offered? How | | | | Projector and the Vehicle Mileage Tracker. Peachtree |
| effective is it? Is local service available or will you be | | | | offers a premium small business accounting software |
| restricted to dealing with a call center in India? | | | | package with over 125 functions including as in-depth |
| Price: Software packages vary greatly in price, not | | | | inventory, time and billing and job costing features. |
| only among brands but also among merchants. | | | | Other popular accounting software packages include |
| Choose an appropriate package and then shop | | | | MYOB Plus Accounting Software and Microsoft |
| around for the best deal. | | | | Office Small Business Accounting. |
| User Friendliness: How easy is it to use? If you are a | | | | Good luck! |