Hello all
Reading your comments I sympathise with both camps. Small businesses are looking for an affordable way to keep track of their financial, business and client details. Getting cheap or ideally free packages without compulsory support fees or training seems great but it can often be a false economy. Businesses end up replacing these software packages after a short period because the developers can't survive on the software sales or can't afford to update it when required. (or they get bought-out and businesses are forced to switch to other software)
The flip-side is Microsoft, as they can cross-subsidise non-core software packages and give them away for free. This is great until you notice a crucial functionality that is only available in the 'pro' version. Then you have the difficult choice to start from scratch or play their upgrade game.
I work for a Sage partner that has to charge a support fee but we know that in the long run this is the best solution for businesses. It depends on how you value your own time. Even if you don't opt for our training in the beginning, it is much more time/cost effective to pick up the phone and for an expert to talk you through a procedure or functionality, so you can carry on working in a matter of minutes. The support fee also ensures that the software can be developed and that we / Sage are not going to disappear overnight.
Every year we help businesses that have been caught out by another software demise. It is not just the hassle of getting used to a new package but also the transfer of your historic data. Peace of mind, hassle-free use and business continuity are worth a small fee.
