[pegs]

Hi all,

Does anyone have any recommendations on which would be a good software package for running a small home business?

I am a freelance graphic/web designer and am looking for software that can help with project tracking, billing, and client & vendor list management. I am a one person operation, so I don't think I would need any payroll functions either.

I also have other smaller side businesses and would need a program that I would be able to manage more than one business on it.

Thanks in advance.

Peggy

[typoon]

You could use Quickbooks 6.0 or another one that I use that is cross plaform for the same price. is CG invoicer Check either macupdate or versiontracker for this.

[Macola]

MYOB has a long history of supporting the Mac (unlike Intuit) and I'd recommend either AccountEdge or FirstEdge, depending on your needs. I've been using their products for the past 8 years to run my small business.

[Love Calm Quiet]

I'm glad the question is being asked... I'm interested in the MYOB line, BUT...

Their site doesn't give a very good overview of what they have to do what (and on which platform). e.g., "Product" page shows some for Mac, some for PC - with package pix, but not even a few short words to say what it DOES. One specific uncertainty: are they an alternative to QuickBooks / Quicken? or used in conjunction with such a checkbook register?

That customer-unhelpful layout does not leave me attracted to them.

[NeXTLoop]

I normally hate to put a plug in for our company... but in this case I can't resist. :-)

We're just finishing up work on SoftBooks, a program designed for small businesses. It has Estimates, Invoicing, Project Tracking, Ledger, Customer & Supplier Managment, Inventory, Service Tracking, Income Categories, and extensive Reports.

We've already been engaged in a private beta testing period, and should have the final version finished within a week, two weeks tops. Pricing will be $79 for a new user, $49 if you own MYOB AccountEdge®, FirstEdge®, or Intuit QuickBooks®.

You can get more info on our site... Praevius, Inc.

[Macola]

Originally posted by Love Calm Quiet:
I'm glad the question is being asked... I'm interested in the MYOB line, BUT...

Their site doesn't give a very good overview of what they have to do what (and on which platform). e.g., "Product" page shows some for Mac, some for PC - with package pix, but not even a few short words to say what it DOES. One specific uncertainty: are they an alternative to QuickBooks / Quicken? or used in conjunction with such a checkbook register?

That customer-unhelpful layout does not leave me attracted to them.

I agree that their website could use some help. However, if you click on the product image, you get to the next page. Also, try clicking on the FirstEdge box image, then click on the Product Comparison link at the bottom of the page.

[siluni]

I recommend Quickbooks 6 over MYOB. I've been using MYOB AccountEdge for the past 4 years but have switched all but one of my bookkeeping customers back to Quickbooks. There's something clunky about MYOB and there are many irritating features in AccountEdge, one being the inability to customize report titles at all. Having set up lots of businesses using both, Quickbooks is much easier to set up and use. The only reason I'm keeping MYOB for one customer is payroll which we already paid for. Next year it's Quickbooks for everyone.

[workerbee]

Originally posted by pegs:
I am a freelance graphic/web designer and am looking for software that can help with project tracking, billing, and client & vendor list management. I am a one person operation, so I don't think I would need any payroll functions either.

I've just downloaded Studiometry the other day, and have yet to play around with it, but it looks somewhat promising.

[pegs]

Thanks, everyone.

I will check all these out.