66 replies to this topic

[jrtz]

I've had Ordermaster for several years and will be very surprised if they let you sell to another distributor. They are very computer savy and have built in checks to their disc to prevent it from being loaded on another computer. But I could be wrong. Good Luck!!

[COOPERSTEPP]

I researched all the systems above, since I came from a background of setting up systems requiring time management for companies and worked with a very large corporate company in national accounts, I was privy to meetings and helped setting up ordering systems.
When we opened in 2000, we purchased QB - single user, since we had only one computer. Last year due to our growth, we now have QB Pro - 5 station @ 750.00 (we now have 3 office computers & two mobile Laptops) & updated to this years QB with Go to my PC, which we can connect direct if we are at a Clients office and Quote instantly.
Setting up your system to run the way we need it to run requires some time and programming. But once you have it set up if flows and there is hardly any paperwork as it's all on your system. You can Quote which with a click turns into an invoice and if you can purchase the online email service, as well as the merchant services-you bill online and get paid online quick.
The only thing QB doesn't have is the capability to import graphics onto their QB PO. So we created our own PO system database which is linked to the Quotes & that we can import graphics into-we can email our PO's or fax. We save the PO in the Clients file for future reference.
As for QB Cons - Clients can pay for Invoices twice online with charge cards, which we have emailed QB about - as we get charged for refunds & yes this has happened more than once. We also emailed QB - to ask: can you make Quotes (QB calls them Estimates) to also click to make PO & PO's to import graphics.
This system runs very smoothly for us, since we are growing we started using their payroll system, which keeps us up to date on laws and tax tables, which keeps my CPA & our in house accountant in check, if someone else has another system let me know, but until then QB gets my vote!

[thevelvetfrog]

After reviewing the liscencing agreement, you are absoloutly correct! It does say that, guess I will just have to chock this one up to experience and go on. Thanks for the insight! We will continue to use QB and be happy with it, it is much easier for us. Our network won't support Ordermaster and we couldn't ever get it to work properly. Since it did run for 2 days though, it is not returnable and we are stuck with it! A learning lesson for us, but an expensive one! Carmen

[jrtz]

I would really encourage you to try and learn Ordermaster. It really is not very hard at all and their support people are very good at helping you. They also have an interface for Quickbooks. At the end of each month I spend about 15 seconds transferring all my stuff into Quickbooks for the financial reports. It really is very easy. Since you have the investment I think if you spent a week entering all your orders etc on Ordermaster you would have it learned. Which version do you have?

[bhpflynn]

I am trying to find information on Essex. I did a google search but you can imagine what happened there... Anyone know their web site address?
Thanks!

[cashew]

I use a software called Intelliform. I sell a lot of business forms, commercial printing and promotional products. I needed a system that would allow me to enter specs for a 4 part form, 4CP brochure or briefcases.

I pay a monthly fee of $49.95 for 2 stations and have been using it for 6 years. I also use Quickbooks Pro for payables and deposits.

With Intelliform, since I'm "renting" it monthly I don't have to pay a yearly fee like you do with Xetex or ASI. I get updates a few times a year and have had no problems. It's a windows based program that took a little getting used to but all in all have had no problems. You can find them at www.intelliform.net

MJ

[ncook]

Epromo's Business Management Suite offers a full Accounting program designed specifically for distributors. If you would like to learn more about it, please feel free to call 1-800-466-0953 ext. *817, or e-mail tim@epromo.com.

Thanks, Tim