I am just in the process of starting my bookkeeping business and know it will take time to build up a enough clients to keep me in full time work. I am also researching the possiblity of teaching Sage accounts to customers who wish to do their own accounts but need help setting up etc, does any one else do this and if so how much do you charge, also has anyone become a Sage partner to run along side their bookkeeping business, is it worth considering?
I'd been using Sage a few years when I set up so I wanted to use it from the off. The only problem was that when taking on clients some insisted that I continue to use their method which was normally a manual cash book. Over time I pushed them to switch to Sage and most relented and now like the reporting options I can now provide them. Some have mentioned me to friends, family and I'm now helping them out with Sage training, although they will be doing the bookkeeping themselves.
I charge a flat fee of £200 for one days training which is usually enough time to cover all the basics. I offer unlimited support (within reason) following the session. I've recently placed an ad the local paper advertising my Sage training service, although it's too early to gauge the likely up take.
Thanks for the reply, did you bother getting sage certified? or are you like me qualified by experiance.
I've done some research today and found out that you can become a Sage Partner, for approx. £2300, which from what I can gather from their website entitles you to free software, training and reselling rights, I guess what I would like to know is, is there a market for qualifed / experineced Sage trainers to help small businesses set up and train them to use Sage Instant / 50.
Or might it be better to just offer training on Sage but not bother with becomming a Sage partner, is that allowed?
I'm qualified by experience and a lot of trial and error. I always get the client to purchase the Sage software themselves which entitles them to the first 12 months support. I briefly looked into becoming a Sage partner but I found the cost prohibitive.
I know a few accountants and bookkeepers who offer Sage training and none are Sage certified to my knowledge. I don't think Sage would have a problem with you offering training as long as they sell the software and you don't hold yourself out to be accredited if you're not.
. I always get the client to purchase the Sage software themselves which entitles them to the first 12 months support. I briefly looked into becoming a Sage partner but I found the cost prohibitive. 
