To Sage or not to Sage, that is the question

[whirly]

I will shortly be starting up as a sole trader and have been aware that I may need to buy some kind of accounts software. I have seen SAGE advertised, what would be the minimum requirements I would need from a package like this. Payroll and accounts ? Idealy i would like to do the books at home to save cash rather than give it all to the accountant. Anything else i might need from a software package ?

Thank you

[Joyous]

Hi Whirly

Sage is certainly the market leader among bookkeeping packages but it is only one of many. Kashflow who’s banner appears on the right has received some rave reviews and there’s a free trial available so it’s worth your while giving it a try. Also Quickbooks is a lot more forgiving than Sage and is very reasonably priced at entry level.

If you’re a sole trader you will only need a payroll package if you are planning to employ staff. Anything that you pay yourself is drawings rather than salary.

Regards

Joy

[whirly]

Hi Joy

I won't be employing staff, what about functionality such as invoicing for sales etc, my personal accounts is that all included ?


Thanks

[dcaccounting]

I offer a full accountancy package that you can use anywhere in the world, not just at home (internet based). :lol: For a set licence fee per month.

Regards

Dean

[DuaneJackson]

Thanks for the plug Joy : )

Hi Whirly,

I run KashFlow, the book keeping product advertised to the right of this page. IT sounds like it'd suit your needs and it's certainly a lot easier to use than Sage or any of the others.

As Joy says, there is a 60 day free trial so feel free to take it for a spin. If you have any questions or problems then email me (duane @kashflow.co.uk).

Also, if you do decide you like it, enter the code UKBFMARCH when you sign-up or subscibe to receive a further discount.

If you decide not to try it just yet and end up getting frustrated with the other products out there then make sure you try this afterwards. It's really only after experiencing the frustration of using other products that the simplicity of this one can be appreciated.

[Sapphire-Limited]

Hello,

Here's a good software package, its free and has exceptional reviews.

It's comparable to Sage or Quickbooks.

Here's the link:

http://www.turbocashuk.com/

Regards
Gareth
Sapphire Document Solutions

[Hedgehog Toys]

:D :D

Hi ,

I would like to add my recommendation for KashFlow. The system works great for me :D :D :D

[visagephoto]

Whirly

Not sure where you're located, but the 'Business gateway' (Scotland) have a software package called "The Complete Business Manager" which not only handles accounts & invoicing etc. but can also handle stock control, time management, mail & email campaigns etc, etc, and best of all it's free to new and recent startups.

If you're based in England or Wales I'm sure there will be an similar organisation to assist new businesses, it may be worth approaching them.

[confused]

Hi,

I use Kashflow at the moment, I suggest you give it a try - 60 days free so if you dont like it then you havnt lost a lot. I have used it for about 4 months now, and will continue to do so for another couple of month but I may then stop using it for reasons I wont go into on here.
I opened a LLoydsTsb business account and got some fre software called DOSH which looks ok at an initial glance but I need something like Kashflow which can be accessed from anywhere (without having to setup a vpn or anything)

HTH

CALV