Topic: Who uses Quickbooks?

[Keighlar]

And if you do, is it Desktop or Online?  Which do you prefer and why?

We are using the desktop version, but are looking at bringing on a new CRM that only integrates with online version.  I'm not a fan of QB at all, so I would appreciate any input.

[hbiss]

I've always used Quick Books since I switched from Peachtree many years ago. I started with the desktop version and when they came out with the online, I wasn't going there. Desktop was a "buy it and it's yours forever". Online was always subscription. Pay every month or year. Made money for them. Now I believe even the desktop is subscription. Makes more money for them. 

That aside, I think Larry will have more to say about the aspect of where your private information resides and why it's not a good idea to give up your possession of it. Online it resides on their server, though I'm not sure if they have access to it with the desktop version since I imagine you have to be connected to the internet to use it now.

-Hal

[CMDL_GUY]

looking at bringing on a new CRM that only integrates with online version
I would scratch that!

I use QB  desktop, never went with online and never will!  I don't like my personal data somewhere other than in my possession.
I have an IRS issue now entering year 3 and if I had the online version my 4th amendment protection would no longer exist! Don't get me wrong, I don't operate in an illegal or gray area.  The IRS rules are so complex they don't completely understand the rules themselves! I don't need them poking around my business!

What if you decide you no longer want QB......how does it work to go to another system.  I don't need QB having me by the short hairs!

though I'm not sure if they have access to it with the desktop version since I imagine you have to be connected to the internet to use it now

If you use payroll yes, if you don't use the payroll option then only when you check for updates!

[Keighlar]

though I'm not sure if they have access to it with the desktop version since I imagine you have to be connected to the internet to use it now

If you use payroll yes, if you don't use the payroll option then only when you check for updates!

Not anymore.  We have QuickBooks Enterprise Silver Edition Desktop, and it's a monthly fee.  We don't use Payroll.  If you only have one user, then you can get away without the subscription - which was maybe what you are doing? 

I think we're going to stick with Desktop.  You also lose a lot of features with online.  We have too many inventory items and a backup file size that requires more than online allows. 

Thank you both for your input.   

[Yoda]

I've used QB desktop for a while, although I'm only scratching the surface with what it can do.

I updated to QB 2017 the last time. I had the install disk and when I got a Win 10 computer a few years ago, it installed fine and updated when updates were available. A few months ago I got a new laptop with Win 11. I thought it was time to update QB, so I looked online and discovered that there were no more standalone, desktop versions available. Even tho they called it a "desktop" version, it required a subscription.

I was able to use my install disk once again. Did the update and I was back to where I wanted to be. Now I'm careful to not click on anymore updates that are offered, because I think that might put me into a subscription model. Not going there.

Online, I found a lot of unhappy customers and former customers that said the new desktop subscription indeed keeps your data in the cloud. And if you decide to quit using QB, you cannot get your data back. Doesn't sound good.

Good luck Stacey.
Jim

[CMDL_GUY]

Not anymore.  We have QuickBooks Enterprise Silver Edition Desktop, and it's a monthly fee.  We don't use Payroll.  If you only have one user, then you can get away without the subscription - which was maybe what you are doing? 

QB used to make you upgrade every 3 years or you could not have the payroll option.  The 2017 version was the last version I purchased and in 2020 when I could no longer get the payroll option, I gave the payroll to my accountant.  I've never regretted it!



Online, I found a lot of unhappy customers and former customers that said the new desktop subscription indeed keeps your data in the cloud. And if you decide to quit using QB, you cannot get your data back. Doesn't sound good.

I'm still using my 2017 version and making an accountants copy.  You have confirmed one of my worst fears with not being able to leave QB!

It seems we can't "purchase" anything anymore, only "rent" it!     "Smart TV's" and "smart phones"  along with PC operating systems clearly state their product is "licensed" to you!

[Keighlar]

I am not a fan of QB at all.  If I had my druthers, we wouldn't be using it.  I'm still looking for a CRM that will integrate with the desktop version and give us the features we need.  Not an easy task.