Gunshop software

[clowdis]

Can anyone recommend a software package that can be used for keeping records in a gun shop? I'm not talking about ATF records, I'm talking about inventory, accounting, sales, labor, taxes, etc. I got the free version of Quickbooks, but it isn't a "retail friendly" type of software to me. Any ideas?
Blair

 

[cmillard]

paper and pen. computers crash and lose files. i just dont trust computers to hold important data.

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

QuickBooks is THE answer!! The only problem is the LEARNING CURVE. It does take some effort and training to get good at using it.

 

[Hammerhead]

I have a small company and I use Quickbooks. It is the most user friendly.
My wife is a bookeeper and has tried all the software out there. She still says Quickbooks is best (for small business).

Tim

 

[cfrazier77]

My wife has a small business as well. Quickbooks can't be beat, but it should be backed up. There are online companies that offer backing up everything on a computer and the owner has to do nothing, its all automatic. http://carbonite.com/ is one, its $55 a year. I have used them before but an not associated with them in any way. The nice thing about it is that if your computer crashes, is stolen, or there is a fire, you can go online and download all of your information.

On paper records, I am a firefighter so I can speak a little on this with some understanding. Get a good fire safe. There is no such thing as a fireproof safe, like gun safes. Look at temperature and time rating. It can get to 1500 degrees easily in a room on fire, even at the floor level. Also, do not put anything in it other that paper, plastic will melt and cover the paper records. Metal can act as a heat conductor and blacken the paper it touches making it unreadable.

Good luck with whatever route you decide is best for you!

 

[jerrschmitt]

Before I retired I used Quick books. Why anyone would use paper and pencil in these days is beyond me. Fire and flood can destroy any files. You just have to back them up.

 

[clowdis]

Well maybe I should stay with the Quickbooks. I just didn't like the idea of creating an invoice for each cash sale, each person, etc. May be another way around that by just adding back the days sales off the register or something like that. I'll stay with it and see if I can work something out. Thanks for the replys.
Blair

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

Being retired I don't remember how they have it setup. but in some areas QuickBooks have 'rated' expert users that you can contact for training. I remember locating one such individual here in Columbia Falls, Montana for a friend of mine. Also, in Arizona I think it was the PV Community College that offered 'Quick-Start' courses for QuickBooks. Might be worth the search.
When I still had my business and first started using quickbooks I signed up for the $39.00 per month support feature. A lot of HELP came with that program.
Hope this works for you; it is a superior program.

 

[people]

there are two main rules in the IT world.

1. Never make casual changes to production machines.
2. Always back your stuff up.

 

[Rustystud]

Blair:

There are many sharewhare programs written for Excel or Access.

If you can use a spreadsheet Excel will do everything you need. If you need a relational database Access will do everthing you need. Your accountant should be able to work with either program or both combined.

If you understand basic accounting Quick books is pretty simple to understand.

Your Local community college will offer both an adult education course and a college credit semester course on all of thee programs. Some offer a 5-10 day mini course.

If you have MS Office you have the basic software you need.

Nat Lambeth

 

[Hammerhead]

Clowdis,

Having to "create" a customer for each individual cash sale is a drag. I can see where that can get old really quick.
Maybe set up a customer under "cash slaes" and just put them all to that customer.
(this is my idea not my wife). I will check with her and see if she has any ideas.
She does not work in a cash business either.

Tim