I am just in process of setting up my book keeping business and am after some advice as to which software to buy.
I have never used any book keeping software before but I am well trained in IT. I have worked mainly in public sector, so have used finance software applicable to them.
I recently asked a similar question and received the following reply from someone who was kind enough to offer advice:
"Quickbooks, Kashflow, Business-ware amoung others, " (are alternatives to SAGE)" Quite a few of these allow you to try first for 30 - 60 days, also you can download MS Accounts for free - although it is very slow. My advice is to hold off for as long as possible, do some research, try some free trials, speak to accountants to see if they have any preferences in your local area, probably not, in many cases your clients might be small one man businesses ie. local plumber who would not justify having Sage, you could keep their records on an Excel spreadsheet"
I'd agree with Kynan - hold off as long as possible if you are to invest a small sum in a single package.
Another I can highly recommend is e-conomic - www.e-conomic.co.uk. Great online software that also has the trial, but the nice thing is bookkeepers and accountants aren't hit with the charges (unless they want to pay them on behalf of clients)... worth a look anyway.
