Essentially, both QuickBooks and Peachtree are accounting software programs specifically made to be used by small business owners. QuickBooks is often heralded as the more intuitive accounting software program, but Peachtree is widely believed to have better import and export functionality. When comparing the two, it's important to take your business needs into account first and foremost. For example, if you're managing a large operation with payroll and invoicing for hundreds at a time, Peachtree may be the better option, whereas tracking your small business's profitability may be a better task for QuickBooks.
The Facts
Many small businesses have come to rely on QuickBooks for all of their financially-related business processes, as QuickBooks enables them to enter sales receipts, track expenses, prepare and send invoices, track sales and payment, prepare financial statements and reports, process purchase orders, and manage inventory. This software also includes check printing and employee payroll and time-tracking options. Also, QuickBooks does not require that its users understand standard accounting procedures. Peachtree has many of the same features as QuickBooks, but it also has many features QuickBooks does not have--such as its Business Status home page. This page enables users to quickly access information about account balances, profit and loss, accounts receivable, and accounts payable in one location. Users can also add attachments, such as spreadsheets, photographs and scanned documents. Essentially, this feature enables users to scan in bills, receipts, invoices and other documents and create a paperless accounting system.
Types
There are four variations of the Peachtree software, which include Pro, Complete, Premium and Quantum. Each version is geared towards different business and accounting needs. QuickBooks, on the other hand, offers users five different versions. The first three are the most popular, which include QuickBooks Simple Start, QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Premier. Like Peachtree, all three of these versions are geared towards simple and advanced business and accounting needs. QuickBooks also offers QuickBooks for Macs and QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions, which is for five users.
Considerations
QuickBooks' major point of sale is accounting software that can replace a small business's cash register, while also tracking its inventory, sales, customer information and providing reports to help manage the user's business and serve his customers. Peachtree aims to be more than just accounting software that crunches numbers. Peachtree software tries to give business an edge by providing greater visibility, enhanced analytics and streamlined processes. When choosing one over the other, it's important to determine what direction you want your business to go in.
Benefits
QuickBooks is ideal for small business owners not interested in having to learn new software. QuickBooks is easy to use, straight forward and provides the most pertinent information for small business owners simply looking to keep track of their money and expenses. Peachtree, though more complicated, is geared towards small businesses that deal with many accounts and need more than simplified accounting software.
Price Comparison
Pricing between QuickBooks and Peachtree software is comparable. Looking at the cost for the Pro version of each software for one license, Quickbooks Pro 2009 lists for about $160, while the Peachtree Pro accounting software for one user runs slightly higher at about $200. The cost of other editions are also comparable with QuickBooks edging out Peachtree in terms of overall lower cost.
Tags: quickbooks, peachtree, accounting, software, small business, accounting software, accounting software, business owners, geared towards, Peachtree software
