Small business software to replace Quickbooks
 

Got an email today that my Quickbooks Desktop software is going to cost me $999 next year. It went from $500 in 2023, to $650 in 2024 and now this... They have been pushing users toward using their online version, but that is not something I want to do. I realize that $999 is cheaper than a secretary and a CPA. I have used Quickbooks since 1997 when I left my job as a Service manager for a multi line dealership to venture out on my own.

I have been using desktop version, and I can continue using it but they are pricing it through the roof. Looking for recommendations for something else. I run a small power sports repair business, Motorcycles, ATV's, Side x Sides, and some lawn and garden equipment repairs as well. No employees, just need something to create invoices and track income and expense. I have phased out of keeping an inventory, I am 63 and not sure how much longer I will be doing this... I have slowed down to only 4 day work week, so I am just looking for some simple software without all the bells and whistles. Any suggestions?

I'm using QB 2020 Desktop and I see no reason to upgrade as it serves my needs. I have gotten their warning letter that desktop will no longer be available but that really doesn't affect me.

Yeah, I wish I hadn't upgraded, but... I had a computer die, and the older software would not work on the newer version of Mac OS. So "I'm up the creek".

Just don’t upgrade. I’m still using QuickBooks from 2014. Every time I open it it suggests that I upgrade or get online to do updates. I ignore both of those suggestions and have had no problems.

Yeah, they hit me with the "upgrade" a few weeks ago. I went to their online chat, said I'd be going elsewhere unless they could get me a better deal. They gave me 50% off for three mos., so that gives me time to shop, which I will most definitely will. Eff them.

No idea on what exactly you need out of it, my only finance software experience is homegrown ERP and doing ETL stuff for Workday, so I guess if you have a $2mil budget for your software I could help out some :)

That said, I would maybe look at GnuCash - https://www.gnucash.org//download.phtml I did use it once years ago to import a buddys old check ledger that he used as a repair/maintenance log for his VW Bus and his Moto Guzi restoration, just needed to import it well enough to print it out for him.

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I went through this a few years ago and couldn't find anything that worked as well as QB. I ended up buying a full version through Dell

I have used QuickBooks foor many years. In the past I would wait three years to upgrade. Now it is subscription based license. At the end of 2033 I upgraded too the 2024 desktop version. I keep my data on my computer. Once you "up[grade" to the online version, you can't ever get your company data file back. You can run reports, but not the real data file.

I will wait to see what they want for the next renewal.

****ing hate Intuit. With a passion. And i spend a LOT of time in Qbks. Desktop has always been a great product though it's gotten a bit overcooked of late. Online QBKS is ****.

You can thank the VC mindset of 'get everyone on a subscription' for this pricing model. I used to spend $300 a year on the latest version and had 100+ companies on it. Intuit figured out they could force retirement of old desktop versions and start charging real money for every single company used in quickbooks. For an office like mine that will eventually go from $300 a year (now about $1300) to something like $50k per year if they get their way.

Like i said, **** Intuit.

Had a client who actually developed an accounting software in the 80's in my office yesterday. I was telling him how desperately the public accounting industry needs a desktop based solution that isn't 'per company' priced. He had no promising things to say.

per reddit:
Excel
https://www.manager.io/
Gnucash
Wave Free for basic. $16/mo for pro Online
https://www.drakesoftware.com/pricing/ $350-2350
hledger
Fribok
https://www.budgetwithbuckets.com/
www.lessaccounting.com i

I've seen Wave financials from a very small client. They looked good to me.

That "manager.io "looks interesting... I will check it out.

Why don’t you want to do the online version? All the ones I know now are online.

Because you lose control of your property.

That, and I don't think the online subscription versions are equipped to handle some types of nunya business records.

Getting ready to sell completely or offer public options? Have a secret supplier or associate which give you an edge? Have problem employees you've paid to go away? Have lots of notes on strategy hidden within the entries? Inter-office notes? Tax records and online IRS filings seemed to change? It's a cookie-cutter for any start up competitor, or to do you harm. An open book for any hacker or quickbooks employee to go through. Except deep in the EULA it's all completely legal.

Gee nobody would be interested in that master key.

I understand your hesitancy towards avoiding online books, but you’re gonna pay for that dearly on the front side.

It just isnt cost effective for companies to release desktop software anymore so they will keep making it more expensive. All you banking where your actual money resides is online, whether you use it or not.

We use Waveapps. It’s decent and meets our needs. …but it’s online.

Or use software that respects you and your data.

Sure, GnuCash may be missing a feature or two.... but... since it is Free and Open, instead of sending intuit $500 or $1000 you could use that to offer to pay for a bug fix or a feature request from either one of the main developers or anyone else out there with the skill. Heck, get together with a few small business buddies and work together on it.

Thanks for this post,
Not sure how I missed it. I used to play around with Linux Red Hat, and Ubuntu software years ago... Guessing this will have similar user feel to it. Will look into it this weekend when I have some time. As long as it will track sales, expenses, and keep a history for yearly reports, it may be just what I need.

Thanks!