🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1.vfpzi2ftk@gate.net>, wen@infi.net (W.E. Nichols) writes...
>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.

	If you are going to do consulting for accounting packages, the
first thing you should realise is that there is no distinction between
helping a client with the software and helping a client with his/her
accounting.  IMO, you would need to charge the client for support if you
don't want to become their FT bookkeeper. 

	The trend for accounting software has also shifted from the G/L to
the business end of the record keeping.  In stead of comitting to one
software developper, you would probably do better to specialise in an
industry (or several related industries).  Support the clients' complete
record keeping needs.  Pickup some 4GL development abilities to customise
and add to off the shelf packages.  ie., learn a lot of macros, database
development and how to export data from a given package to these tools. 
This will make you a lot more valuable to the client. 

	It probably sounds like a lot of work but it would pay off
tremendously. The client will not only look to keep buying from you, but a
CPA with overall computing knowledge will have a lot of credibility and
will be able to implement the system in the most efficient (and
profitable) manner. 

Good Luck!