citteee

I just got my license for contracting, I'll be mostly painting. I haven't done one job yet (still working at my regular job may start my own stuff evenings and weekends).Before I start even one job I would like to have in place a simple but effective way of keeping records of: getting paid-paying for supplies-gas- tools-mileage -keeping track of jobs done,and basically being ready for the IRS at the end of the year. I have a free trial of something called painter's estimating program, The full version is 500.00 but it seems to be very detailed. I see and hear a lot about quick books. And I am getting these catalogs from NEBS with packeges of proposals,estimates,checks all with my company logo if I want.Anybody familiar with these and have a guage on what's simple and effective? I would appreciate your thoughts I got much good help on my first post. Thank you.

slickshift

Go with Quickbooks
Have a pro set it up for you

__________________
Signature Quote

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr

Double-A

I agree with Slick, except I'd recommed you get a professional to help you set it up rather than just accept what they hand you.

No one will ever care about your business as much as you do. Your Chart of Accounts is your number 1 tool in mitigating your expenses.

If you let someone else set it up, then you're most likely getting a tool that is good only for tax preparation and gross income/expense reports. Not a tool that is good for understanding and running your business.

QB and MYOB (Mind Your Own Business) are the two best small business accounting software solutions out there. The nice thing about QB is the plethora of users and user groups. You can ask a question and get about three great answers on most of them. MYOB doesn't have that market penetration yet.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

slickshift

I agree
I should have been more specific
The guys I have worked with were very much interested in having my input
It can really be tailored for your needs
What I meant was, don't just DIY the set-up, get some pro help with that

__________________
Signature Quote

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernStyle I have never used this crap before and I pray to the paint gods that I never have to use it again, I would rather use Behr