Is QuickBooks Forcing You To Quit The Desktop Version? Why Converting to QuickBooks Online Isn’t As Easy As It Sounds
Is QuickBooks forcing you to go online? If you’ve ever been a QuickBooks desktop user, that might be a “yes.” If you’re anything like I was, this transition can be seriously daunting. That’s because there are differences between QuickBooks online and QuickBooks desktop that you might not expect. Differences that can really trip you up.
But why can’t you just keep using QuickBooks Desktop and not worry about it? Here’s the deal.
QuickBooks has discontinued certain levels of the Desktop version. It’s basically forcing a lot of CPAs and business owners to convert to QuickBooks online. Whether they want to or not.
But how different could the online version really be? Well, I was a hardcore QuickBooks Desktop devotee for about 15 years. When I was faced with making the change, there were many little differences that tripped me up. I like to call it, “just different enough to be annoying.”
And when you’re trying to make the change and you look to Customer Service for help, you might find you frequently leave disappointed.
This is because when you call QuickBooks tech support, you’re not talking to accountants. You’re talking to QuickBooks software specialists. They know how the software works, but they simply can’t answer questions about how you apply the software in your business.
You can see how this could be a problem, especially if you have complicated invoicing or inventory situations. The application of the software in these situation is one of the main difference between QuickBooks online and Quickbooks desktop. It’s possible to accidentally import years of mistakes when you make the transition, too.
And THEN, there’s the rapid changes coming to QuickBooks Online itself, including AI updates that you as a user might not have asked for or wanted. This adds yet another layer of potential aggravation (and it’s likely going to be more AI we’re dealing with before it’s less, too).
So it’s not as simple as just converting to the new software, even though it might look and feel like it should be.
I explain more about it in this short video ⬇️
So what do you think? Have you been struggling to make the switch from QBO Desktop to QBO online, was it easy for you, or somewhere in between? I’d love to know!
AND, let me know where you feel like you could use some support with any version of QBO you’re using right now. I’d love to help, so leave your comments below!
Until Next Time,
Love, Light, and MONEY, Honey…
Kaylee
P.S. One way to get a handle on where you stand with QuickBooks no matter what version your using is to check in with your skills. That’s where my QuickBooks Quiz comes in!
Take my simple QuickBooks Self-Assessment Quiz here, and find out if you’re getting the most out of your QuickBooks, what you’re getting right, and where you might need a little support. Get that quiz right HERE:
Hi, Kaylee! Thank you for the QuickBooks update. I have not used QuickBooks yet (kind of surprising, but true!), so I was pleased to read your email today. Now, when I do get onboard with QuickBooks, I won’t need to “unlearn” anything! That will be a time saver and likely a smooth transition from “paper” to QuickBooks.
I absolutely HATE QB online! It is nothing line the desktop version and I have literally cried for weeks!!!!! I am looking for a different accounting program as this one is not working for me anymore.
Tonya! I am so sorry to hear this. QBO can be really challenging, I was a diehard desktop user for years. If you need any assistance I would be happy to help you.