estimating & quickbooks

[RhinoL&L]

I have quickbooks pro, but also need an estimating software, as well as a scheduling program. I used to use lawnpro which did everything, but dont know what to do now. I was looking at Qxpress, but it doesnt have estimating, does it? those of you who have quickbooks, what other programs do you use for estimating and scheduling?

Thanks

[nboeger4]

i would also like to know the answer to this question.

[TMlawncare]

For scheduling and job costing I use Qxpress. For estimating the only software that I have found was on the Gopher website.

[RhinoL&L]

Bump!!bump!!

[Fred B]

For estimating and invoicing quickbooks is the only way to go. Reports, year ends, expence tracking it really is the way to go. As far a making scheadules, that is a no go. You can enter days , times and how long you are at a project for billing or estimate purposes. For making scheadules I use microsoft outlook and use the calender section. That way I can make appointments, meeting and have a record of the day I was at the clients. I also use a blackberry which syncs with outlook and updates contacts and calender and appoinments.Now you have completly portable info without having to bring a laptop with you.

[ffemtmcd]

I used gopher free version and liked it but unsure about the year end reports like you get with quickbooks - trying to decide which to use. Never used lawnpro software don't know how it compares.

[JB1]

you can do a lot with the estimating in quickbooks, just takes a little time to learn all of it.

[Frue]

what dont you like about lawnpro?

[Mow Right]

IMO your best bet is to make a custom spread sheet in excel. That way you have edit things on the fly and set it up the exact way you would like.

[Ruben Rocha]

Seen several questions here lately on estimating invoicing software.
The people that have asked this question must not have QuickBooks.

All I can say is the very first software package to consider is Quickbooks Pro period.
And now is the time to buy it. So you have the time to set it up and play with it
before the season starts.
If you already have an accountant that uses Quickbooks so much the better.
Your accountant can set most of it up for you for a small fee.

If your accountant does not use Quickbooks I highly suggest find another accountant.

[kootoomootoo]

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[RhinoL&L]

I didnt know Quickbooks had estimating? where is it in the program?

[JB1]

its usually the tab that says "Estimates".

[Ruben Rocha]

I didnt know Quickbooks had estimating? where is it in the program?
What version do you have?
In quickbooks pro 2008 it is right there on the main screen.
The icon is named "Estimates"

[RhinoL&L]

What version do you have?
In quickbooks pro 2008 it is right there on the main screen.
The icon is named "Estimates"

i just got pro 2009... i will look for it now.

[RhinoL&L]

it isnt on the main screen... anyone have pro 2009, if so please enlighten me as to where i can find the estimating page.

[TMlawncare]

I use 2009 Quickbooks Pro/Qxpress Platinum. For estimating Gopher has a program just for estimating. It is not their software program. Its an add on program that just loads to you computer. You can use it will any other program. I believe it is sold for $10-20. Very cheap and specialized for our industry. Did I mention easy to use, cheap and specialized.

[Henry]

it isnt on the main screen... anyone have pro 2009, if so please enlighten me as to where i can find the estimating page.

Look under the customers menu if it's not on the icon bar. If you right click on the icon bar you can add it there.

[RhinoL&L]

Look under the customers menu if it's not on the icon bar. If you right click on the icon bar you can add it there.

I dont see it under the customer menu either..:confused:

[Greenway Landscapes]

I use quickbooks and love it. However I would like a program that would synchronize with QB's which would generate all my invoices with a click of a button. I'm trying the gopher program but can't figure out how to synch the two programs.

Any advice on a different program that's reletively cheap, maybe under $200

Thanks,
Brian

[Henry]

Under the edit menu select preferences. In the left column select "jobs & estimates" then to the right select the tab for "company preferences". You'll see a box where it asks "do you create estimates?, make sure to check yes.