🚀 go-pugleaf

armorris@well.sf.ca.us (Alan R Morris) Banged on the keyboard and
wrote:

#|>eashman@wing.net wrote:
#|>
#|>: .......I would appreciate any comments from other consultants regarding 
#|>: their
#|>: experience with specific products and/or vendors.  Have you found a
#|>: specific product to not be all it was supposed to be?  Has vendor support
#|>: be beyond you wildest dreams?  How helpful were vendors in providing leads
#|>: to help build up your practice?  I would also appreciate comments from
#|>: users of any accounting package regarding your likes, dislikes and horror
#|>: stories about any particular package.  All of this would be helpful in
#|>: trying to pick a vendor to work with. 
#|>:  As I am a CPA with extensive tax experience, I would be happy to exchange
#|>: my knowledge in this area for any advice you could offer. 

snip

I do not have very much experience with accounting software, but allow
me a generalization about promoting software packages.  The first rule
is use the KISS principal, Keep It Simple Stupid.  Ease of use.  Price
is also extremely important.  File format is critical.  Can the files
be converted to other software packages?   Most small to medium
businesses will spend $300 for a package that does 60-80% of a $600
package.  I'm surprised you did not mention PeachTree.  What ever
package you install, you can bet that you will (and better be)
providing technical support.  Don't charge for the tech support unless
it gets out of hand.

The bottom line is that I have seen companies get a software package
shoved down a clients throat because, "It's what I use."  A year or
two later it is a big thorn in the side.  All the blame is put on the
consultant and then you have a customer relations problem.  Be
cautious.

Just a few thoughts.

Nick
W.E. "Nick" Nichols                 Non Illegitimi Carburundum est
Coastal Corrosion Consultants       ******************************
Marine & Industrial Coatings Consultants
wen@infi.net