Growing a retail business hinges on selecting the right software solutions for managing payments and finances. While it’s clear that robust tools are essential, the costs of choosing an unsuitable option can be substantial. The term “retail” encompasses a diverse range of concerns—what works for an online-only ecommerce brand may differ vastly from what suits a local brick-and-mortar shop.
Finding the right retail accounting applications isn’t always straightforward. The tech industry can present a confusing array of options, making it challenging to pinpoint solutions tailored to your specific needs. Fortunately, we have a comprehensive understanding of this market and can guide you through notable brands, features, and trends. This article aims to kickstart your search for retail accounting apps, helping you quickly derive value from new software.
Retail Accounting Software Comparison
This comparison chart highlights key features necessary for retailers, covering aspects such as cost, POS support, and inventory management. For in-depth insights on each product, continue reading.
QuickBooks Online: Overall Best Choice
Overview
QuickBooks, developed by Intuit, is a household name in accounting software. It’s well-known among finance professionals, and anyone who has had to generate an invoice likely understands its significance. QuickBooks Online is specifically designed for small to midsize businesses and operates solely in the cloud, making it a versatile and reliable choice.
Reasons for Selection
QuickBooks earned its place here akin to other leading brands in their respective fields. Its capabilities cater to a diverse clientele, and its familiarity makes it approachable for both experienced accountants and newcomers.
Pricing
QuickBooks Online has four primary pricing tiers, with options for add-ons like payroll and promotional discounts for new customers:
- Simple Start: $30/month
- Essentials: $60/month
- Plus: $90/month
- Advanced: $200/month
Features
- Comprehensive accounting functions including income tracking, invoicing, and receipt management.
- Seamless integration with other Intuit products and support for various auxiliary functions like POS and inventory management.
- Access to live support from certified financial experts.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leading solution in the industry with comprehensive features | Higher pricing, especially for those who don’t need extensive features |
| Well-documented and widely used, facilitating easier troubleshooting | Some industry-specific functionalities require additional integrations |
| Versatile and applicable across numerous industries | Key features such as inventory tracking may necessitate higher-tier subscriptions |
Wave Accounting: Most Cost-Effective Choice
Overview
Wave Accounting offers a simpler, more streamlined accounting solution. It covers essential functions such as invoicing and expense tracking without any cost, although premium features like payroll services and live support come at a price.
Reasons for Selection
Wave distinguishes itself by providing significant transparency in pricing, allowing users to take advantage of free basic services before opting for paid add-ons.
Pricing
- Starter: Free (with transaction fees on payments)
- Pro: $16/month (or $170 annually)
- Payroll add-on: Starting at $20/month
- Bookkeeping services: Starting at $149/month
Features
- Unlimited invoicing, estimates, and bills.
- Online payment acceptance with transaction fees.
- Mobile app for easy management on-the-go.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched affordability for basic needs | Lacks native support for inventory management and POS systems |
| Access to automation features and discounted processing fees for paid users | Add-on costs can add up quickly |
| Optional add-ons for payroll and bookkeeping services | Limited in functionality for complex business scenarios |
Sage 50 Accounting: Best for Inventory Tracking
Overview
Sage 50 is tailored for small to midsize businesses, specifically those requiring robust inventory management features alongside core accounting functions.
Reasons for Selection
Sage 50 stands out for its impressive inventory tracking capabilities, which are accessible with a standard subscription, unlike some competitors.
Pricing
- Pro Accounting: $58.92/month or $595 annually
- Premium Accounting: $96.58/month or $970 annually
- Quantum Accounting: $160/month or $1,610 annually
Features
- Standard accounting functions such as invoicing and bank reconciliation.
- Advanced inventory management features, including item assembly and cost tracking.
- Additional functionalities like project costing and advanced security measures.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional inventory management capabilities | Higher price point compared to competitors for basic functionalities |
| User-friendly accounting interface | Additional features such as time tracking and payroll cost extra |
| Part of a broader range of business solutions | No integrated POS support available |
Xero: Most User-Friendly Software
Overview
Xero prioritizes an intuitive interface to reduce the learning curve associated with accounting software, making it an ideal choice for users with varying levels of expertise.
Reasons for Selection
Xero is designed for ease of use, allowing users to quickly get started and effectively manage their finances without extensive training.
Pricing
- Early: $15/month
- Growing: $42/month
- Established: $78/month
Features
- Functions include invoicing, bill tracking, and bank reconciliation.
- Support for W-9 and 1099 staff management and cash flow monitoring.
- Advanced options for project tracking and payroll integration.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple to set up and navigate, with good support available | Add-ons or integrations can increase total costs |
| Automation functionalities to reduce repetitive tasks | Generally higher pricing compared to basic tiers of competitors |
| Key functions such as inventory and POS features available through integrations |
Zoho Books: Most Scalable Option
Overview
Zoho Books is part of the extensive Zoho suite, which includes applications across various business functions. It offers flexibility for businesses that may grow rapidly.
Reasons for Selection
Zoho Books allows businesses to easily scale according to their evolving needs, offering multiple subscription tiers without penalty for cancellation or changes.
Pricing
- Free: Limited features at no cost
- Standard: $20/month or $15/month when billed annually
- Professional: $50/month or $40/month when billed annually
- Premium: $70/month or $60/month when billed annually
- Elite: $150/month or $120/month when billed annually
- Ultimate: $275/month or $240/month when billed annually
Features
- Standard accounting functions along with mileage tracking and self-service customer portals.
- Features designed for remote collaboration and support for multiple currencies and vendor communication.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Leading option for decentralized teams | Lack of integrated POS systems |
| Flexibility to scale with various subscription options | Additional modules can significantly raise costs |
| Free tier available for initial exploration | Lower-tier plans have strict limitations, which may hinder growth |
Choosing the Right Accounting Software for Your Business
Now that you have a clearer understanding of various accounting software options, you can determine which best suits your needs. For established brands, QuickBooks Online is a top contender. If affordability is crucial, consider Wave or Zoho Books. Sage 50 is the go-to for extensive retail-specific features.
Ultimately, our goal is to help you select the best accounting software for your business requirements. As long as you find a tool that simplifies your professional tasks, we’re satisfied with having assisted you in your selection process.
Methodology
To create this list, we evaluated a broad spectrum of accounting solutions based on usability, scalability, key features, and relevance to the retail market. Customer feedback and ratings were also critical factors in our assessment of each software option.
