QuickBooks Small Business is one of the most popular software programs for small businesses. It’s simple to use, and it can help you manage your business finances. But if you don’t have the time or resources to learn it, you might be in trouble. That’s where customer research comes in! With customer research incentives, you can get more participants on your team and help them learn what makes QuickBooks Small Business successful.
Related topics such as Quickbooks Enterprise, What is Quickbooks Desktop, and Quickbooks For Small Business will be covered.
Quickbooks Medium-Sized Business
Finding a financial system that works best for you and your business is important for your success, and with many options to choose from, it might seem difficult to find the right software.
As a company that has been a leader in the accounting system design for over twenty-five years, we have found that QuickBooks is the best option for small and medium service business and nonprofit business’s accounting needs.
QuickBooks for Small Businesses
Since QuickBooks was completely re-written with a new API architecture in 2006, it has become a leader in bookkeeping solutions for both the small business owner with limited experience and enterprise C-level executive users.
QuickBooks caters to a wide variety of businesses and has two different platforms to choose from: QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop.
In order to make the best informed decision when choosing which is best for your company, below we will outline the main features and the cost associated with each.
80% of small businesses use QuickBooks, with 29 million small American businesses using the software. Every business needs an accountant, and in our digital age, it’s easy to download a trustworthy software. But to find the most suitable version of QuickBooks for your business, we must look at the different QuickBooks versions.
Which is best for your Small or Medium-Sized Business? QuickBooks Online vs QuickBooks Desktop
As you can see, there are many differences between QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop.
While QuickBooks Online offers a lot of the same capabilities as the desktop version, it doesn’t currently allow for major functions or multiple users to access the same file at the same time.
QuickBooks Desktop allows for more reporting but doesn’t have the same easy accessibility of QuickBooks Online (although you can host the Desktop versions on a Cloud Hosting Provider.) Your company’s needs will determine which version works best for your business.
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WHAT IS QUICKBOOKS?
QuickBooks is an accounting software program which is a crucial tool for any business owner. This software saves time by ensuring your accounting is accurate and, the online version, lets you access all your data on multiple platforms. Let’s find the best version for you.
1. QUICKBOOKS PRO
When deciding on the best QuickBooks software, consider how much ROI your business has. For example, QuickBooks Pro is suited for small to medium-sized companies, ideal for those with revenues of up to $1 million annually. Up to three employees can use this version. It lets you export reports to Excel, record bank transactions, download them, and generate financial statements. QuickBooks Pro can hold up to 14,500 customers, vendors and employees, and customers claimed the software was easy-to-use. But, note, that QuickBooks online versions are a better investment as desktop versions become obsolete after three years.
2. QUICKBOOKS PREMIER
If you need industry-specific software, then this is for you. The target company earns less than $1 million per year and has less than 20 employees. You should get QuickBooks Premier if you’re in:
- Manufacturing
- Retail and wholesale
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Contractors
- Professional service firms
QuickBooks Premier has the same specifications as Pro, and forecasting tools, inventory functionality, and industry-specific tools. It’s important to note that QuickBooks Premier can’t hold as much data as other versions. But customers claimed that it is excellent for managing business finances and helps create detailed cost estimates for various projects.
3. QUICKBOOKS ENTERPRISE
Out of all the versions of QuickBooks, the Enterprise is best suited for mid- to large-sized companies. Use Enterprise if you need advanced inventory management, complex reports, and more options for employees’ permissions. Other features include:
- Faster processing
- Multiple location tracking and reporting
- Mobile Inventory barcode scanning
It’s important to note that Enterprise is the most expensive and has all the features that Pro and Premier have. It also has a far larger capacity than other options.
4. QUICKBOOKS ACCOUNTANT
A QuickBooks comparison reveals this software has the same features of Pro and Premier, alongside an Accountant’s Toolbox. Here, you can monitor batch transactions and run the client data review utility. There are two versions, deluxe and premium. The deluxe membership gives you access to QuickBooks Accountant Desktop Plus whereas the latter includes Desktop Plus and Desktop Enterprise Accountant. Both lets you:
- Batch void and delete transactions
- Run a working trial balance report
- Manage fixed assets
This software lets large-sized companies stay atop of finances from reclassifying multiple transactions to organizing journal entries.
OUT OF ALL THE QUICKBOOKS VERSIONS, WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?
All the QuickBooks versions are useful for every business owner. Whether it’s for an industry-specific business or a small one, QuickBooks has valuable features to help streamline the accounting process and let you track your finances. Did you find this article helpful? If you want to improve your business’s productivity.
How Much Does QuickBooks Online Cost? A Review of Features and Pricing
QuickBooks Online (QBO) operates very differently from the desktop version. You can purchase a monthly or yearly license and updates happen automatically as they are released. Some reasons businesses choose QBO are:
- Access from any location including mobile devices
- Cost effectiveness
- Integrates with a broad range of additional apps that create a financial eco-system for small business
Many small businesses, without a need for complex reports, will opt to use the online version. Startups also tend to use this version because of the low cost and accessibility.
There are three options to choose from with QuickBooks Online: Simple Start, Essentials and Plus.
Simple Starts about $15 per month. It covers the basic needs of a business; tracking income and expenses, invoicing and syncs with your bank. If you need more features than Simple Start offers, the next option is Essentials.
Essentials costs are around $30 per month and has additional features such as bill pay and profit & loss reporting.
Plus offers more advanced features. It costs around $40 per month and provides everything that Simple Start and Essentials provides along with inventory tracking and 1099 preparation.
The price for QBO fluctuates so we can’t provide an exact monthly fee. There are added fees depending on the number of users and if you want to integrate applications at time of purchase.
How Much Does QuickBooks Desktop Cost? A Review of Features and Pricing
QuickBooks Desktop (QBD) allows for more in-depth reporting like manufacturing, inventory, and job costing. It also allows for more users per file. Some top features include:
- Multiple User Access
- Job Costing if you use Intuit or Insperity Payroll
- Profit and Loss by Class, Service Item, Customer or Job
- Forecasting
- 1099s
Unlike QuickBooks Online, you purchase the software, install on your servers or desktop, and have the option of updating every year. QBD has upfront cost because the software has to be purchased. There are three options to choose from: Pro, Premier and Enterprise.
Pro software starts at $300 and provides up to 3 users per license.
Premier ranges from $500-$1,200 with 5 user licenses. Premier also allows your business to track inventory and make purchase orders.
Enterprise is more robust and costs $2,200 to $5,000 depending on the licenses you need. If you need accurate job costing and manufacturing, this is the best option.
Just like QBO, the cost can vary drastically for this product depending on how many users and the specific features your business requires.
Integrating Applications on QuickBooks Online and Desktop
There are many options when it comes to being able to integrate apps with QuickBooks. Apps that help with billing, timesheets, job costing, etc. are available to customize your software so you can track exactly what your business needs. Some top apps we like to use are:
Bill.com
This app manages your accounts receivable and accounts payable. You can send and pay bills through this app and it automatically syncs with your QuickBooks system. You don’t have to go through the process of printing checks, signing them, sending them out, and then waiting for it to get cashed. The Bill.com app costs about $30 per month.
T-Sheets
This app tracks employee hours and integrates them with QuickBooks. Because of the integration, it eliminates double keying for entering time. An employee inputs their information and it is automatically updated in QuickBooks. It helps cut down the time associated with managing payroll. It costs $8+ per month depending on the needs of your business.
Expensify
Management expense reporting is now as easy as taking a picture of your receipt, uploading it with the appropriate code and being approved in QuickBooks. The cost for Expensify depends on the type and number of users you have. It can range from as little as $5-$10 a month and goes up depending the users.
PayPal
If you use PayPal to receive payments, it can automatically sync to QuickBooks when you integrate the app. Receipts are made, corrects taxes are transferred and other key details will be securely entered into QuickBooks. This app is currently free for all QuickBooks online users.
Quickbooks Enterprise
QuickBooks Enterprise covers all the bases, with solutions for accounting, pricing, inventory and payroll. The features (and cost) may be too robust for truly small businesses but just right for large small businesses that can put the full weight of Enterprise’s reports and tracking capabilities to work.
| Deciding factors | |
|---|---|
| Price | Starting at $1,340 per year. Percentage discount offers may be available for annual subscriptions during the first year. |
| Maximum number of users | 40. |
| Easy sharing with accountants? | You need to create an accountant’s copy to share and later import any changes. |
| Easy to scale? | Somewhat. You can easily add licenses but QuickBooks Enterprise tops out at 40 users. |
| Easy to use? | Expect an initial learning curve, but the interface is intuitive once you get acquainted. |
How does QuickBooks Enterprise work?
QuickBooks Enterprise is primarily a desktop-based accounting and financing management software that handles everything from invoicing to payroll and inventory management. You can have up to 40 licensed users on one account and track up to 1 million items, customers, vendors and employees — a scale best suited for larger businesses.
Because QuickBooks Enterprise is installed locally, you do need to meet certain technical specifications. The system requires Windows 8.1 Update 1 or Windows 10 (sorry, Mac users) and Internet Explorer 11.
QuickBooks Enterprise pricing
The pricing below is for one user. There is an additional fee per user, up to 10 users. Beyond that, you can pay for up to 20, 30 or 40 licensed users, depending on your business needs.
| Plans | Pricing | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | $1,340 per year. | QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise software.24/7 priority access to customer service.Advanced reporting with more than 200 built-in customizable reports.Online backup data storage.Automatic QuickBooks product upgrades. |
| Gold | $1,740 per year. | QuickBooks Enterprise Silver features, plus:Enhanced payroll. |
| Platinum | $2,140 per year. | QuickBooks Enterprise Gold features, plus:Automated inventory and order management.Advanced pricing (customizable, automated pricing rules). |
| Diamond | $4,200 per year. | QuickBooks Enterprise Gold and Platinum features, plus:Assisted Payroll with guaranteed accurate tax filing.QuickBooks Time Elite. |
Remote access is available as an add-on for all plans for an additional monthly fee. This allows users to access Enterprise from anywhere.
QuickBooks Enterprise benefits
Robust suite of features
QuickBooks Enterprise doesn’t skimp on features. You can automate pricing, track order fulfillment and run payroll using just one solution. The entry-level version also has more than 200 customizable reports, so you can dig into everything from cash flow to item profitability and inventory valuation. You can also connect with more than 200 applications, expanding the capabilities of your Enterprise system.
Industry-specific setups
QuickBooks Enterprise has versions tailored to the following industries: construction, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, retail, nonprofit, professional services and accountants. Each version offers specific reports — a donor contribution summary for nonprofits, for example, or vendor return details for retail clients.
Priority customer service
All QuickBooks Enterprise accounts — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond — include QuickBooks Priority Circle service, which unlocks a dedicated account team, on-demand training and a direct line to technical support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
QuickBooks Enterprise drawbacks
Expensive annual subscription
QuickBooks Enterprise is a significant investment. The base plan, QuickBooks Enterprise Silver, starts at $1,340 annually. And that’s just for one user. While QuickBooks Enterprise does bring a lot to the table in terms of features and functionality, evaluate your business needs before subscribing to ensure you’ll get your money’s worth.
Additional charge for remote access
QuickBooks Enterprise is installed locally and can’t be accessed on another device unless you purchase remote access, which starts at $199 per month for one user on the Gold plan. Remote access is an all-or-nothing endeavor — if you have multiple licensed users, you have to purchase it for each of them.
Limited to Windows users
QuickBooks Enterprise works only with certain Windows servers and on Windows 8.1 or 10. Intuit launched QuickBooks Desktop for Mac 2022, but it doesn’t have the same functionality as the Enterprise version.
Alternatives
QuickBooks Online
If QuickBooks Enterprise is out of range (in price or features), consider a scaled-down version like QuickBooks Online. The Plus version ($80 per month) lets you track inventory, evaluate job costs and create customized reports. Because QuickBooks Online is, well, online, there’s no upcharge for remote access but you are limited to five users with the Plus plan and 25 with the Advanced plan.
What is Quickbooks Desktop
QuickBooks Desktop ERP software is an on-premises business accounting system for a wide range of industries. Intuit QuickBooks Desktop serves up to 30-40 users, with different user limits for each QuickBooks product.
Is QuickBooks an ERP software? QuickBooks calls QuickBooks Desktop an ERP alternative. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise software offers industry editions with features matching business needs, making Intuit QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise like an ERP system. Software add-ons make QuickBooks Desktop even more like ERP(enterprise resource planning).
Which Types of Businesses Use QuickBooks Desktop?
Companies from startup small businesses to medium sized businesses (SMBs) are the type of customers who use QuickBooks Desktop accounting software. QuickBooks Desktop works for most industries. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise industry-specific business editions are for:
• Contractors
How Much Does QuickBooks Desktop Cost?
QuickBooks Desktop charges a per-user software license. Intuit QuickBooks Desktop add-ons are Plus (unlimited customer support, data backups, and upgrades), payroll, and remote hosting. Plus is included in QuickBooks Enterprise. Payroll is available for Gold and Platinum editions of QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise. Request price quote.
QuickBooks Desktop cost:
| Quick Books Desktop Software | Cost |
| QuickBooks Pro 2020 | $299.95 |
| Premier 2020 | $499.95 |
| Enterprise 20.0 | $1,213 starting – $3,825/yr for Diamond Edition |
| QuickBooks Accountant Desktop PLUS 2020 | $449/yr |
• Manufacturing & Wholesale
• Retail
• Non-profit
• Professional Services
• Accountants.
These Enterprise Desktop versions have specific business accounting features for the industries that they target.
For example, Manufacturing & Wholesale (M&W) includes manufacturing and inventory management features, including building bills of material and tracking costs for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods during production. M&W automatically prepares purchase orders for sub-assemblies and components and creates production forecasts and labor plans. Mobile barcode scanning does inventory tracking at the detail level and location for picking, receiving, and cycle counts. QuickBooks Enterprise Manufacturing & Wholesale software prepares shipping labels and tracks shipments from multiple locations.
Enterprise includes (non-reversible) multi-currency, which is suitable for global businesses. eCommerce merchants can use add-ons like Shopify to add a storefront.
What Are The Primary Features and Advantages of QuickBooks Desktop?
• Industry-specific Enterprise editions
• Advanced Inventory module features in Enterprise Platinum
• Integrates with your CRM
• Backup and restore data to an earlier point in time
• Bank Feeds online bank transaction downloading
• Integrated with LivePlan
QuickBooks Desktop is accounting software like an ERP solution with add-ons and QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise industry editions. Add-ons include integrated QuickBooks, Intuit Payroll, and third-party CRM (customer relationship management) software (including Salesforce) and AP automation software apps.
Although Intuit QuickBooks Desktop is not a comprehensive ERP system like NetSuite or SAP, it’s lower cost.
QuickBooks Desktop lets you automatically download bank transactions with an Internet connection, using the Bank Feeds online banking feature. Then complete your bank account reconciliation.
Data backups and company file backups with QuickBooks Desktop are either scheduled automatically or completed manually. QuickBooks Desktop gives you a choice of online backup or local backup. You can restore backups to an earlier period within QuickBooks Desktop. In QuickBooks Online, this essential feature is only included with the Advanced version.
LivePlan business plan software integrates with QuickBooks Desktop to add actual financial information. That’s attractive for startups and small businesses.
How to Implement & Use QuickBooks Desktop?
Get started with QuickBooks Desktop lists more set-up steps to take after setting up your company file, including entering more company-specific information and including transaction history. This Intuit QuickBooks support link contains links to many resources, including QuickBooks Desktop user guides titled QuickBooks User Guide and Quick Start Guide.
Quickbooks For Small Business
QuickBooks offers six accounting products, but one of its online accounting plans will be the best choice for most small businesses. Freelancers and independent contractors may opt for simpler options, while medium and large businesses might turn to QuickBooks products with advanced inventory, sales and reporting features.
Here’s a look at all of QuickBooks’ small-business products, including accounting, point-of-sale and payroll software. Plus, you’ll find details on how QuickBooks stacks up against its competitors, as well as alternatives to consider.
QuickBooks accounting products at a glance
| QuickBooks Online | QuickBooks Self-Employed | QuickBooks Pro Plus | QuickBooks Premier Plus | QuickBooks Enterprise | QuickBooks Mac Plus | |
| Price | Starts at $30/month. | Starts at $15/month. | Starts at $349.99/year for one user. | Starts at $549.99/year for one user. | Starts at $1,340/year for one user. | Starts at $349.99/year for one user. |
| Maximum users | 25. | 1. | 3. | 5. | 40. | 3. |
| Accessibility | Cloud-based. | Cloud-based. | Desktop. | Desktop. | Desktop, but you can purchase cloud access. | Desktop. |
| Best for | Most small businesses. | Freelancers and independent contractors. | Small businesses that prefer locally installed software and work with a PC. | Small and medium-sized businesses that need industry-specific tools. | Larger businesses with sophisticated inventory, reporting and accounting needs. | Small businesses that prefer locally installed software and work from a Mac. |
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online — often considered the industry standard for accounting software — is fairly user-friendly, but some basic accounting knowledge will help you get started. Higher-tier plans include more advanced capabilities like inventory management and job costing. Because the product is cloud-based, it’s accessible anywhere with an internet connection.
- QuickBooks Online Review
- QuickBooks Online vs. QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Self-Employed
QuickBooks Self-Employed helps freelancers and independent contractors separate their business and personal expenses and prepare their taxes. It includes basic invoicing capabilities, a receipt capture feature and mileage tracking. Top-tier plans also offer direct support for tax filing.
- QuickBooks Self-Employed Review
QuickBooks Pro Plus
QuickBooks Pro Plus is the most basic version of QuickBooks Desktop. This is a desktop product, meaning you download and install it on your computer. QuickBooks Pro Plus has a full range of features including invoicing, inventory tracking, reporting, billing, and income and expense tracking.
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus Review
QuickBooks Premier Plus
Premier Plus is also a QuickBooks Desktop product, but compared with Pro Plus, it offers more in-depth capabilities — especially for reporting, job costing, inventory management, sales orders and project profitability. Additionally, Premier Plus includes industry-specific features for manufacturers, wholesalers, nonprofits and retailers.
- QuickBooks Premier Plus Review
- QuickBooks Desktop Pro Plus vs. Premier Plus
QuickBooks Enterprise
QuickBooks Enterprise is the most customizable and powerful version of all the QuickBooks products, making it ideal for larger businesses with complex finances. It builds on Premier Plus with QuickBooks’ most advanced inventory, reporting and pricing capabilities. Enterprise is more easily scalable than other QuickBooks Desktop products, offering four plans and the option to add remote access.
- QuickBooks Enterprise Review
QuickBooks Mac Plus
QuickBooks Mac Plus is similar to QuickBooks Pro Plus, but it’s the only desktop version of QuickBooks that is compatible with Mac systems.
Conclusion
QuickBooks can be a powerful tool for small businesses. By using it to make money, save time and money, and be prepared for volatility in the financial world, you will be well-prepared to succeed in the business world.