There are alternatives to QuickBooks, Microsoft for instance. Cheaper I'm not so sure about. Above and beyond the cost of the software itself,you have to also consider indirect costs. For example, does your bookeeper or CPA use QB or something else. My guess is that they use QB, and if YOU format your accounting data in some other different software , your bookeeper or CPA is going to take more time to process it, which translates into increased cost for you.

Did you know there is a way to get QuickBooks software at zero (QuickBooks Simple Start) or drastically reduced ($50 for QB Pro 2008) cost? Assuming your business will need credit card processing services, when you apply and are approved at the link provided below, the software (full version yours to keep, no trial versions) comes with it at little or no additional cost. The credit card solution allows you to accept Visa/MC/Amex/Discover on your website, retail, mail/phone order, or mobile location (with an internet connected computer). Not a bad deal--the software alone is worth the price of admission considering retail value of nearly $200.


Learn about the free QB software program with credit card processing account, and apply online if you want to, at this site:

http://www.merchantservices-help.com/quickbooks.html

Hope this helps. Good luck.

AMSPCS