Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Apr 03, 2006 04:22pm | #1

   I use Quickbooks Pro and really like the progression from Customer:Job -> Estimate -> Invoice -> Receive Payments -> Make Deposits.

   Like all computer programs, however, Quickbooks has a steep learning curve so you may want to take some classes or just hire a bookkeeper. 

   Quickbooks also has a Contractor Edition of their program which is NOT compatible with the Pro Edition.  I don't know just how different it is, and I wasn't about to spend ~$300 and have to start over - lol.

2. 
   bambam | Apr 03, 2006 05:32pm | #2

   I use QuickBooksEnterprise cirrently. Before that I used QuickBooksPro.

   While there is a steep learning curve you can check with your local SBA office. They usually offer classes for around 100 dollars.

3. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 03, 2006 07:37pm | #3

   You can do a great job with Excel and Word. You can create .pdf files with any number of free programs, that could be all you need.

   Here is a sample of our old excel invoice (pre-QB).

    

   Jon Blakemore

   RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

1. 
   tmiltier | Apr 03, 2006 08:22pm | #5

   Jon,

   Nice form. Is Sagun Drive near Bloomsbury? Name looks familiar.

   Todd

1. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 05, 2006 08:10am | #12

   Todd,I don't know where Bloomsbury is so I really can't tell you. 

   Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

2. 
   reinvent | Apr 04, 2006 04:30pm | #6

   That's exactly the sort of thing I am looking for. Let me give you the rest of my info so you can fill it in properly. ;-)

1. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 05, 2006 08:11am | #13

   Re,Like I told Ben, you probably already have a template similar to that. If not I'm sure you can get it off the web. 

   Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

3. 
   FrankDuVal | Apr 04, 2006 04:47pm | #7

   Wow! That looks so much better than what I do in Excel.Did you use Excel or Word to mock up this page? And do you have a suggestion for a free .pdf converter? I see a google search in my future!BTW what is the grayed for official use box for? Just to look like an official form?Frank DuVal You can never make something foolproof because fools are so ingenious.

1. 
   KirkG | Apr 05, 2006 03:50am | #8

   I would go the quickbooks route and if possible have it set up by following the advice of one of the Karen Mitchel books. But even if you just turn it on , you will do better and have better records than you have now. The time it will save you later in estimating, reconciling, and taxes and forcasting are worth it.Since you are not too computer savvy yet, wait until you have the time to get more involved.Kirk

2. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 05, 2006 08:13am | #14

   Frank,I have Adobe Elements on both of my Dell computers and that works well. I think you have to get it when your ordering a new computer though.Cutepdf usually gets good reviews, I've used Blue Squirrel's creator (can't remember the name now) with good results. 

   Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

4. 
   RRooster | Apr 03, 2006 08:09pm | #4

   Depends on what market you are in, who you are competing against, how much you want to spend, whether or not you want this element of you and your company to differentiate yourself from your competition.

   I use preprinted proposals, carbonless, 3 colors.  Pink I keep when I mail out a proposal, the yellow the customer keeps and the white is sent back with deposit check, signed and dated. 

   The more information you provide, the more professional you will present yourself.

    

    

   Grunge on.

5. 
   VAVince | Apr 05, 2006 04:02am | #9

   What KirkG said is very true. You will save yourself many hours down the line and end of year with quickbooks. Find a small account that will work with you to learn what you need with the program. (you will not need to know everything in quickbooks).

6. 
   JeffBuck | Apr 05, 2006 07:07am | #10

   what are the bids for?

   what kinda work? How "extensive"?

   I type them each individually ... in Word ... on a word doc I made my letterhead on.

   Then ... after typing each ... I save it ... and that same letter head is ready to be typed "under" again.

    

   I do carry the small 2 and letter size 3 part carbonless proposals from the office supply store. I think the custom letterhead proposals look more professional.

   I just type out what the job entails ... any specifics I think I need to state ...

   total amount and a pay shcedule.

   Setting up that letter head template was the very first "computer thing" I learned to do! Not that hard at all ... never typed much of anything before that.

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

7. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 05, 2006 08:10am | #11

   Ben,

   If you have MS Office you probably already have more forms than you would ever think.

   Open Excel and create a new workbook, a pop-up or sidebar will appear from which you can select templates that are for varied purposes.

   My version of 2003 has a button that you can click on to search the internet for templates as well. There's a lot of stuff out there for free.

    

   Jon Blakemore

   RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA