Question: Last year, I called QuickBooks to ask which program I should buy. They told me QuickBooks Online, and switched me from QuickBooks Premier to Online, but it doesn’t do what I need it to do. Can I convert back to QuickBooks Premier? Answer: Yes, but it’s not easy. Intuit sells QuickBooks Online as a…
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Question: A bookkeeper has been recommended to me. What should I ask to learn if this person can help me as well? Answer: A bookkeeper who works well for another type of company may or may not be suitable to you as a promotional products distributor. In addition to the common bookkeeper concerns for all…
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Question: Is there an easy way to keep art files so I can find them later? Answer: While this technically is not an accounting question, cataloging your art files is important for keeping your order management organized. During my distributor days, I kept a folder in my documents called “Art.” I would keep all my…
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Question: How do I make a particular template my default template in QuickBooks? Answer: QuickBooks does not let you specify a particular template as your default template for a specific form, such as an invoice or purchase order. After using that specific template for a number of times, it will start coming up. But it’s…
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Question: Is it time to upgrade to QuickBooks Premier 2016? Answer: QuickBooks Premier 2016 was released in November 2015. Every year when software comes out, it takes time for the bugs to get worked out, and Premier 2016 is no exception. It’s wise to wait a few months after the initial release to upgrade. My…
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Question: What is involved in converting from my current accounting software to QuickBooks? Answer: Converting from other ad specialty systems, such as ASI ProfitMaker, OrderMaster, AIA or Proforma, involves planning and attention to detail, and it is a routine procedure. QuickBooks is user-friendly, which has something to do with it being the No. 1 accounting…
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Question: I have been using the order numbers that QuickBooks auto-assigns for sales orders (SO), purchase orders (PO) and invoices numbers. Is there a better way? Answer: Yes. When I was a distributor, I quickly learned how often I had to access different orders during the course of a day. And thus, being able to…
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Question: How can I set up QuickBooks to control what information users have access to? Answer: QuickBooks allows you to set up users and passwords under the “company” tab. When setting up a user, you can specify which information you want that particular user to see or not see, and edit or not edit. You…
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Let me apologize to you right up front—this article isn’t the typical “dream big” stuff I enjoy writing about. But the truth is, if you don’t understand these concepts, your big dreams could turn into big nightmares. Many sales-minded people are not interested in accounting and finance. My guess is that it’s a right brain/left…
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Question: How can I find out if I have to collect sales taxes on additional charges, such as screen charges and freight? Answer: Contact your CPA or the department of revenue for your state, because sales tax varies by state—and sometimes by county. It is most likely that these extra charges are subject to sales…
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