best accounts package for a sole trader

an_other · 01-02-2009 2:55pm #1

Hi can anyone recommend what’s the best accounts package for a sole trader I have no need for payroll.
All I want is something simple and cheap to keep on top of things.

Bren1609 · 02-02-2009 2:14pm

I reccomend Sage commercial, it costs approx €900 or failing that try Big Red Book. My own personal preference is for Sage Commercial. you can contact them here http://sage.ie/about/contact.aspx. You can also try and get your accountant to get a quote for you as I know that Sage offer discounts to practicioners becase I've got this product for clients in the past. If you dont have an accountant you can pm me and I can get a quote for you. (I dont make any money from it, its all passed onto the client)

Framer62 · 02-02-2009 2:18pm

Quickbooks is cheaper and good backup.

seven-iron · 02-02-2009 5:29pm

Personally, I can only comment on a few, namely tas, sage and quickbooks.

Firstly, I would never recommend sage to anyone, I have a fair amount of experience with it and to me it is rigid and over rated. Its just not that handy.

The other two are both good. I find TAS 2 versatile and easy to learn for accountants and non-acountants alike. QB is similiar-ish and is easy to use.

PhoenixGal · 02-02-2009 5:49pm

Hi,

You should have a look at Sort My Books, I think it could be ideal for what you're looking for. It is very reasonable priced, its Irish, and there is a good support service. PM me if you would like more details (I don't work for them!!!)

I would definitely stay away from Sage - in my experience it is not very flexible and you need a good familiarity with accounts packages in general when operating it.

Hope this helps.

spadder · 02-02-2009 6:19pm

PhoenixGal wrote: »

Hi,

You should have a look at Sort My Books, I think it could be ideal for what you're looking for. It is very reasonable priced, its Irish, and there is a good support service. PM me if you would like more details (I don't work for them!!!)

I would definitely stay away from Sage - in my experience it is not very flexible and you need a good familiarity with accounts packages in general when operating it.

Hope this helps.

Yeah, Sage can be a pain, they advertise it as easy to use- not true

Mr Clonfadda · 03-02-2009 4:12pm

You need to find a package which is sold by someone who can look after you and give you good support.
Sage instant is excellent value at 149 +VAT but don't expect to be able to use it out of the box without any assistance.

Sage will also grow with your business.

an_other · 09-02-2009 3:56pm

Bank of Ireland are offering "Accounts lite 500" from Big Red Book for free if you open a business account with them.

Anyone know anything about "Big Red Book Accounts Lite"? What does it not do?

professore · 09-02-2009 3:58pm

Nigel Sage wrote: »

Sage will also grow with your business.

Yes it's costs grow as your business grows

Mr Clonfadda · 09-02-2009 4:18pm

What cost don't grow?

JoeTurner · 09-02-2009 8:46pm

I use Mamut - only costs a couple of hundred to set up and I find it a hell of a lot easier than Sage to use....

Pharcyde · 09-02-2009 8:52pm

If it's something cheap and easy you're looking for either Instant Accounts from Sage or TAS Books 1. They're both entry level and easy to maintain.

Plus chances are your accountant will be familiar with them.

Midas Touch · 11-02-2009 9:44pm

I use Sage for all my clients (I am a freelance book-keeper) and I can't say I have ever had a problem with it. I use Sage Instant and Line 50. Have to say I have found it easy to use. Never ever had a problem with it and I was a total novice when I started years ago.

best accounts package for a sole trader

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