BTW, I've only had two versions of QB...2003 and 2014. I still use Quattro Pro from 1993 (the first windows version of it...great programming!)
Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2023 12:04
From: Scott Cole
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
Thanks for the input everyone. Initially, I tried to research who else was having my issues and see how they resolved them. What I saw were a litany of complaints about poor customer service and eons-long wait times to talk to anyone.
However, I did send a request for a callback, and was surprised at how quickly someone called me back--probably less than a minute. He did his best to help me, and after talking to someone else, told me that my problem--trying to send a detailed PDF receipt--was a known issue they were (supposedly) trying to fix. He also admitted that, yes, some features had been eliminated. Seems strange considering how many home service people rely on iPads to conduct their business.
Yes, I can send receipts from my desktop, but I'd much rather do it right at the customer's home than face more paperwork when I get home.
Currently I only pay $9.99 per month for the app subscription through the Apple Store. I guess I shouldn't complain. I just figured things like apps were supposed to get better over time, not worse...
------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2023 08:49
From: Bob Runyan
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
I've used Wave (https://www.waveapps.com/) for four years now and it does everything I need (including itemized receipts) for free.
I used Quickbooks Desktop for 15 years with three different businesses. QuickBooks has about 10 times more complexity than I need or want and costs way more than what I pay for Wave (nothing).
Wave has an import capability for Quickbooks but I haven't tried that.
------------------------------
Bob Runyan RPT
Chico CA
(530) 635-7852
Original Message:
Sent: 11-16-2023 07:16
From: Philip Jamison
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
I purchased QuickBooks Simple Start in 2006 and never updated it. I use it on an "off-line" computer, so I back it up on a thumb drive, and I email invoices by scanning and sending them from my other computer. This may not work if I get a new computer, but the old one is hanging in there!
Original Message:
Sent: 11/15/2023 4:14:00 PM
From: John Minor
Subject: RE: Alternative to Quickbooks
Our business has used QBO Plus for the past 5 years now. We are paying $63 per month and seems to work well for us. We have had no real problems sending receipts or invoices. The software is comparable to TINKER TOYS, requiring considerable patience in getting all the parts to go together properly. This morning I forwarded a copy of an actual QBO receipt to Scott using the email address listed on his web site. When we need assistance we use the help link to ask them call us within 5 minutes and they usually resolve the issue in short order.
------------------------------
John Minor
The Piano Shop Inc
Champaign IL
thepianoshopcu@gmail.com
www.thepianoshopcu.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-15-2023 07:44
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
Horace,
Funny you should ask...
Long story short, it became clear early on that they have an internal agenda to get everyone on the subscription program and since I was NOT interested in that it required some "legalistic" maneuvering to get them to address my specific issue. They finally did, and instantly hung up. No "did we solve your problem?" or even "Goodbye". Interesting.
Okay so Scott has already bought into the subscription thing, so there shouldn't be any "upgrade" pressure. I should think that if he can demonstrate the problem then they should be able to address it and fix it IF, in fact it's fixable.
I'm assuming that he has already looked around at online qb user groups (Intuit has one and that was where I got my ammunition to defeat their arguments as to why "upgrading" was my only solution...HA HA!)
If I was in Scott's shoes I'd call them.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-15-2023 00:46
From: Horace Greeley
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
Hi, Peter,
Good question.
What's been your experience of that?
Kind regards.
Horace
Original Message
Original Message:
Sent: 11/14/2023 10:04:00 PM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: Alternative to Quickbooks
Scott,
Have you tried calling Intuit?
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2023 18:58
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
Hi Scott,
Probably not the answer you're looking for, but Gazelle has Quickbooks integration. I've been very happy with Gazelle's invoice program, which defaults to itemization. Even if you're not looking for online scheduling, I believe you can get just the invoice service from Gazelle at a reduced cost. If you want to integrate it with Quickbooks, you can, or you can use it independently. Might be something worth looking into.
------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez, RPT
Piano Technician / Artisan
(256) 947-9999
www.professional-piano-services.com
Original Message:
Sent: 11-14-2023 12:34
From: Scott Cole
Subject: Alternative to Quickbooks
Greetings all,
I've been happily using the Quickbooks app for years on my iPad--until recently. They've "updated" the app by taking away functionality and paring it down. Just in time for the season, the program has become a turkey...
One problem I'm having is receipts. I've been trying to get away from paper receipts by emailing them directly from Quickbooks at the end of each appointment. However, what actually goes to the customer, no matter how I set up receipts in the custom forms area from my desktop, is just something that says zero balance. There's no itemization of what I actually did to the piano. That's pretty worthless as a receipt. I've tried clearing the program's cache, and deleted and reinstalled the app as I've seen advised in discussion forums.
Does anyone have any advice on either the receipt issue or an alternative to Quickbooks? (No, I'm not looking for a scheduling program right now.)
thanks!
------------------------------
Scott Cole, RPT
rvpianotuner.com
Talent, OR
(541-601-9033
------------------------------