Looking for a Business Management System

[lawnmowermen]

I am from a pretty small sized, small engine sales service and parts business.

We are looking for a good computer system to handle parts ordering and pricing, sales orders, work orders, etc

Here are the top ones we have found:

• C Systems
• Ideal Computers
• Quickbooks POS

I was wondering if anyone has any first hand experience using these systems or was able to compare them.
Or any comments on the matter.

Thanks,
Lawnmower Guy

 

[ILENGINE]

I use quickbooks, which isn't the best system for our type of business, but I just can't justify the $8-20,000 for the C system, or Ideal computer type systems. Quickbooks is the most common accounting system used by small engine dealers. Even Ideal and C system use quickbooks as an add on system to handle the normal accounting functions.

 

[lawnmowermen]

I just got a quote on Quickbooks POS for 3 terminals ( Software only, we will use current PCs ), 1x cash register, 1x receipt printer, 2x scanners. It was about $7,000. Not too far off from the low end on C systems or Ideal Systems.

How do you deal with constantly changing parts pricing and the fact that Quickbooks POS can't supercede part numbers?

Also what flow do you use for work orders aka keep it all on the computer until it is done and then type it up? Or print out a physical copy and move it around?

Thanks,
Lawnmower Guy