This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to select the best QuickBooks Desktop for your business, including understanding your business needs, evaluating your budget, choosing the right edition, considering additional features, comparing prices, installing QuickBooks Desktop, and getting started with QuickBooks Desktop.
QuickBooks Desktop is a powerful accounting software that can help businesses of all sizes manage their finances. However, with so many different versions and editions available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your business. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to select the best QuickBooks Desktop for your needs.
Understanding Your Business Needs
Before you can start shopping for QuickBooks Desktop, it is important to understand your business needs. What type of business do you have? How many employees do you have? What are your accounting needs? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and select the right version of QuickBooks Desktop.
Evaluating Your Budget
QuickBooks Desktop is available in a variety of price points. It is important to evaluate your budget and determine how much you are willing to spend on accounting software. There are a number of factors to consider, such as the size of your business, your accounting needs, and the features you require.
Choosing the Right Edition
QuickBooks Desktop is available in several different editions, each with its own unique features and benefits. The edition you choose will depend on the size of your business and your accounting needs.
QuickBooks Desktop Pro
QuickBooks Desktop Pro is the most popular edition of the software. It is designed for small businesses with up to 3 employees. QuickBooks Desktop Pro includes a variety of features, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll.
QuickBooks Desktop Premier
QuickBooks Desktop Premier is a more advanced edition of the software. It is designed for small businesses with up to 5 employees. QuickBooks Desktop Premier includes all of the features of QuickBooks Desktop Pro, plus additional features such as inventory management and job costing.
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise
QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise is the most powerful edition of the software. It is designed for large businesses with more than 5 employees. QuickBooks Desktop Enterprise includes all of the features of QuickBooks Desktop Premier, plus additional features such as advanced reporting and customization.
Considering Additional Features
In addition to the basic features mentioned above, QuickBooks Desktop also offers a variety of additional features that can be purchased separately. These features include time tracking, project management, and e-commerce integration.
Comparing Prices
Once you have narrowed down your options, it is time to start comparing prices. QuickBooks Desktop is available from a variety of retailers, both online and offline. Be sure to shop around and compare prices to get the best deal.
Installing QuickBooks Desktop
Once you have purchased QuickBooks Desktop, you will need to install it on your computer. The installation process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few minutes.
Getting Started with QuickBooks Desktop
After you have installed QuickBooks Desktop, you will need to spend some time getting familiar with the software. There are a number of resources available to help you get started, including online tutorials and training videos.
Additional Considerations for QuickBooks Desktop
Customization and Integration
One of the key advantages of QuickBooks Desktop is its flexibility. You can customize the software to meet your specific needs, and it integrates seamlessly with other business applications.
Customization Options
- Custom Reports: Create custom reports to track your business performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Custom Fields: Add custom fields to track specific data that is important to your business.
- Custom Chart of Accounts: Create a custom chart of accounts that reflects your business structure.
Integration Capabilities
- CRM Integration: Integrate QuickBooks Desktop with your customer relationship management (CRM) software to streamline your sales and customer service processes.
- E-commerce Integration: Connect QuickBooks Desktop to your online store to automate your accounting tasks.
- Payroll Integration: Integrate QuickBooks Desktop with your payroll software to simplify your payroll processing.
Cloud vs. Desktop
In addition to the traditional desktop version, QuickBooks also offers a cloud-based version. The choice between the two depends on your business needs and preferences.
Advantages of QuickBooks Desktop
- Offline Access: You can access QuickBooks Desktop even if you don’t have an internet connection.
- Greater Control: You have more control over your data when you use QuickBooks Desktop.
- Potential Cost Savings: QuickBooks Desktop can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you have a large amount of data.
Advantages of QuickBooks Online
- Accessibility: You can access QuickBooks Online from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Automatic Updates: QuickBooks Online is automatically updated, so you always have the latest version.
- Collaboration: Multiple users can access QuickBooks Online simultaneously, making it ideal for businesses with remote teams.
Support and Training
When selecting QuickBooks Desktop, it is important to consider the support and training options available. QuickBooks offers a variety of resources to help you get the most out of your software.
Support Options
- Phone Support: QuickBooks offers phone support to help you with any questions or issues you may encounter.
- Online Resources: QuickBooks provides a variety of online resources, including tutorials, FAQs, and community forums.
- Certified ProAdvisors: Certified ProAdvisors are QuickBooks experts who can provide you with personalized support and training.
Training Options
- Online Training: QuickBooks offers a variety of online training courses to help you learn how to use the software.
- In-Person Training: QuickBooks may offer in-person training courses in your area.
- Certified ProAdvisor Training: Certified ProAdvisors can provide you with personalized training to meet your specific needs.
Future-Proofing Your Business
When selecting QuickBooks Desktop, it is important to consider how the software will meet your needs in the future. As your business grows and evolves, you may need to upgrade to a more advanced version of QuickBooks or switch to a different accounting software.
Scalability
- Upgrading to a Higher Edition: If your business grows, you can upgrade to a higher edition of QuickBooks Desktop to access additional features.
- Switching to QuickBooks Online: If your business becomes more mobile or requires real-time access to your data, you may want to consider switching to QuickBooks Online.
Future Trends
- Artificial Intelligence: QuickBooks is likely to incorporate more artificial intelligence features in the future, such as automated data entry and predictive analytics.
- Cloud Integration: QuickBooks will continue to integrate with other cloud-based applications, such as CRM and e-commerce software.
By carefully considering these additional factors, you can select the best QuickBooks Desktop for your business and ensure that it meets your needs both today and in the future.
Conclusion
Selecting the best QuickBooks Desktop for your business can be a daunting task. However, by following the tips in this guide, you can make an informed decision and select the right software for your needs.