Can I first say what a great forum this is, its been really helpful!
Right, I've recently passed the ICB exams in Sage manual and computerised bookkeeping as well as Sage Payroll. I've just finished helping out an accountant by putting a years worth of her own accounts onto Sage 50. Everything went smoothly and I really enjoyed it. She feels I should go self employed and become a bookkeeper. I'd love to do this its just having the confidence to do so.
Anyway, shes been in contact with an accountancy practice she knows well and recommended me. They employ bookkeepers, although I don't know if I have to be self employed for that or not?
I've been looking round at the different Sage packages. I know they are alot more expensive than the rest but because I know what I'm doing with it I'd ideally like to stick with it.
Right so if I went with Sage 50, I would have to upgrade it to the multiple company thing wouldn't I? That way who evers books I'm doing can all be put onto there correct? So it wouldn't work with having one company, backing it up, deleting it, putting in a new company, back that up then when you need the previous company just load that again? I'm guessing thats wishful thinking!!
Also I see the Sage 50 2009 software is out, if I got say one from 2007 would that be virtually the same but cheaper? Can anyone recommend a good website to purchase said software? I've tried ebay but it doesn't seem much cheaper.
Oh yes also when doing the ICB course with Home Learning College I was given Sage Instant Accounts v.10 software, I notice on the official Sage Website Shop it says about if you have a previous Sage you can upgrage and it said it would cost about £320. Can I do this? Even though I didn't actually purchase the software from them?
I'm sorry for so many questions! Many thanks in advance though
If you know and feel comfortable using Sage then sticking with it is a good idea. In my opinion it is a great piece of kit, and although like anything else it can be frustrating at times, it will certainly do a good job for you and grow with you as your business grows. Right enough Sage endorsing for today!
You would need Sage Line 50 if you're going to be using it for more than one client. Besides the risks of losing information by using a single company package through data corruption, it would be a massive hassle reloading clients on and off the system. Although it's not cheap I would go for the Sage Multi Company option everytime. Try SPJ Solutions at www.spjsol.co.uk for some decent offers on Sage products.
Regarding upgrading I would contact Sage direct to see if it is possible to upgrade your current package. You may find it cheaper to actually buy a new package than upgrading however.
I don't believe you can just simply delete a company on Sage Instant Accounts, but there's nothing stopping you from restoring a backup over another companies data. You get the same result.
Re Line 50, I believe that you pay for a certain number of extra companies e.g. up to 30 etc. Again give a Sage reseller or Sage a call to confirm this.
the backup / restore option does work, but I think you will find that your Sage licence doesn't allow it.
The licence agreement with my v11 Instant says 'You may use the program...in connection with a single set of your company or business data only."
I believe that this is the standard Sage licence, not specifically for Instant. That implies that you can't use the standard Sage products to do work for your clients.
I think that the Sage 50 Accounts solution for bookkeepers and accountants is Client Manager.
I am still trying to get to understand licensing myself, so I am happy to be proven wrong!!
I have purchased SAGE 50 accounts from SAGE via the book keepers club and I have up to 15 companies for £445, I am able to pay monthly by direct debit as I can't afford to pay for this outright.
This is perfect for me, and if anyone would like the number for the book keepers club let me know.
Was that £445 for Sage 50 including the 15 companies? Or was it £445 just for the extra companies?
Also if you have 15 companies data stored and want to put a 16th companies info on there will it allow you to delete a previous company not needed anymore? Or do you have to then go and purchase more?
I'd love the contact info for the bookkeepers club, do they have an email/website?
No that included the 15 and if you need more then SAGE will add more for you, and the cost of adding more is not alot, but if you want more from the beginning you can have as much as you like, it abvioulsy cost more to have more companies, but the choice is yours to have as many or as little as you need, I only choose 15 as it, suited me.
Shellie
Oh and I replied to your pm, hope it is helpfull for you, good luck.
I had a look about for the Bookkeepers Club and noticed a website but it didn't seem very up and running. Then I noticed the Sage Bookkeepers Club on their official website and it said about paying something like 39 a month fee. Not sure if these are the same thing and/or the one your with?
I called SAGE and asked to be put through to the book keepers club and I was put through to them, very help full I am paying £44 per month for 10 months, after that time the software is paid for. I can upgrade to more users if I feel the need and they are always very helpful when ever I call with a SAGE query.
and like many others i too am in the middle of training. You have just answered a question that has been bugging me, about sage software. I come onto the forum quite often and enjoy reading other peoples opinions. Unfortunately for me i am a rule deontologist, therefore when i get going for myself i can not help but abide by rules, so will have to lash the cash so that i can succeed as a bookkeeper knowing that i am not going to ruin someones business by my negligence. I am going to contact sage bookkeepers club that you have been discussing because it sounds a good deal thankyou to everyone for discussing this topic it has been very helpful.
Hi I find sage really confusing too! I got give a 'sage instant accounting' package in my AAT course. Does anyone know if this the full software - or is it just for students? I can't find anything written on it.