I own a small restaurant and do all my accounting, inventory, payroll
and basically everything by hand.  I guess a better way to put it is I
haven't entered the new tech era.  I need a better system to help
manage my money as well as my overall business.  Any advice on
products (software) I can use - especially on my small budget.  I am
also planning on buying a POS in the near future - IBM is looking good
there.  I looked at MSF site but it's a bit confusing and I don't
think it's geared toward my business needs, the way to look at it my
restaurant would be considered a ma and pa place for now.

Thanks!

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Request for Question Clarification by taxmama-ga on 01 Oct 2004 18:30 PDT

Hi kizersoze,

This is kind of a touchy issue, since there are 
a variety of options out there - and it really 
depends on your taste. It also depends on who
sets it up for you. All accountants have their 
own pet software. 

Since you also need a point of sale  system,  why 
not get one that includes your accounting, too?

Take a look at QuickBooks POS systems. 
http://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/compare/qbcom/compare_pos_chart.jhtml

They have also bundled the software with the
hardware (register, cash drawer, etc.) and 
live support. That may be well worth the cost.
http://quickbooks.intuit.com/commerce/catalog/product.jhtml?priorityCode=0273400000&prodId=prod30023

Before you do anything, please talk to your tax professional
and see if they can guide you. 

If you don't have any experience with computerised
accounting systems, you'll have a learning curve -
but it will be less than someone who's never done 
the accounting. You have a real advantage in that area.

If you like this solution, let me know and I'll post it.

Best wishes

Your TaxMama-ga