QuickBooks Desktop POS has been a trusted companion for years, efficiently managing business transactions. It has been the cornerstone of operations for many businesses, streamlining payment processing, report generation, and inventory tracking.

But now, QuickBooks Point of Sale is discontinued, and it’s time to bid farewell to QuickBooks Desktop POS. Intuit, the creator of this reliable software, introduced QuickBooks Desktop POS over two decades ago, assisting retailers in enhancing their store management. Intuit made the decision to discontinue the POS in the previous month (October 3, 2023). Furthermore, there won’t be any forthcoming versions of QuickBooks Desktop POS software, and new customers will no longer have access to these solutions.

The discontinuation of POS Desktop necessitates finding alternative solutions for payment processing and POS requirements. Don’t worry; we will help you with this. But before moving forward, it is essential to know why it was discontinued. 

QuickBooks Point of Sale is Discontinued – What Is The Reason?

QuickBooks POS was a versatile retail point-of-sale system tailored to various small and medium-sized enterprises, including clothing and shoe stores, small franchises, sporting goods shops, and gift boutiques. It featured essential inventory and customer management tools, merchandise planning, and compatibility with tablet-based point-of-sale systems. It was available in both cloud-based and on-premise deployment options.

QuickBooks POS offered fundamental functionalities such as payment processing and returns and robust inventory management capabilities. Users could effortlessly monitor their inventory, receive alerts when items were running low, and efficiently place orders to replenish stock. The system also stored valuable customer data, facilitating the tracking of purchase history and buying patterns.

However, QuickBooks Point of Sale was Discontinued because the distinct platform on which QuickBooks POS was built necessitated intricate maintenance and posed challenges for introducing new features. This complexity stands as the primary reason for its discontinuation, and it was the only reason stated by the company behind the reason for halting it.

Can You Use The POS Systems Now Even After It Is Discontinued?

You have the option to keep using your QuickBooks POS for as long as you prefer. However, there are several crucial considerations to bear in mind. After being discontinued, the QuickBooks Desktop POS software has stopped all the associated services. These services that were stopped include:

• Online Backup
• Online Banking
• QuickBooks POS services for the Gift Card 
• Payment Security Updates
• Mobile Synchronization
• Store Exchange – Multi-Store Connectivity
• Connected Services
• E-commerce integration with Webgility
• Support plans, including Live Support (email and chat)
• Additional user licenses
• Vendor Lookup Service
• Security updates
• Payroll Services

While it is technically feasible to continue using QuickBooks POS without these services, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks. The absence of support, including critical security patches, could render your system progressively susceptible to cyberattacks and data breaches.

What Should Be Your Next Step As This POS’s Customer?

After QuickBooks POS was Discontinued, customers now need to plan their transition to a new POS tool. QuickBooks has established a partnership with the e-commerce platform Shopify to provide a POS solution that seamlessly integrates with QuickBooks Desktop Financial Software. However, Intuit also encourages customers to explore various POS solutions to identify the one that best suits their business.

If you are in search of a suitable QuickBooks POS replacement, you have several options:

• Migrate to Shopify.
• Consider a different industry-neutral POS program.
• Explore an industry-specific POS system tailored to meet the unique needs of your business.

But, it’s advisable to select a POS system designed for businesses within your specific industry or niche. You should choose wisely to avoid this kind of situation.

While many POS solutions are in the market right now, it’s essential to consider whether they align with your business requirements. Opting for a good and reputed company is the solution, as small impersonal companies may not always guarantee the support you need in the long run. Some providers rely heavily on self-service customer support and offer one-size-fits-all solutions. 

So, in the further sections, we will first discuss how you can migrate from QuickBooks to Shopify for an easy and fast approach. But if you are looking for some other alternatives, we will also discuss those by the end.

Migrating QuickBooks POS to Shopify POS

If you want a fast solution to migrate from QuickBooks to directly Shopify, here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Exporting The Data 

To transition from QB POS to Shopify POS, you can begin by exporting various data types, such as Inventory Items, Vendors, Customers, Employees, and Departments, to Excel. Follow these steps:

• Launch the QuickBooks POS.
• Navigate to “File”> then click on “Utilities”> and then click the Export option.
• Choose the specific data type you wish to export, like Items or Customers. For example, let’s select “Customers.” In the DataExport Wizard, follow these instructions for exporting Customer data:
• Select the file where the exported data will be saved.
• Then, write all the records to the worksheet where the data should be placed.
• Begin exporting for data placement.
• In the “Export Template” section, you can opt for a default template for exporting data from the QuickBooks POS.
• Then Click Next to proceed.
• Verify that the data marked is correct.
• Finally, select Export.

All the data is now successfully added to your computer. Repeat this process again to export other data, such as Inventory Items, Vendors, Departments, and Employees. This comprehensive data export sets the stage for a smooth migration to Shopify POS.

Step 2: Sign Up for a Shopify Store

Migrating from QuickBooks Point of Sale to Shopify Point of Sale involves creating a Shopify account. Follow these steps to get started:

• Go to the Shopify’s official website at Shopify.com.
• Navigate to and click on the “Get Started” button to initiate the sign-up process.
• In the next window, you’ll be asked your email to access the exclusive discounts and other migration tools designed specifically for QuickBooks POS merchants. And after filling in the details, click on “Next.”
• Now, you will be asked to create your new Shopify account. Begin by selecting your location and then click “Next.”
• Select your preferred sign-up option, whether it’s via Email, Google, or another option, to create the ID for Shopify.
• Provide your email address and enter a strong password for your Shopify account.
• Click to Create a new Shopify ID.

The system will take time to verify the account and set up the Shopify store. After the process is complete, your free trial version will be activated.

Step 3: Get the Migration Tool for Shopify

To facilitate the seamless transfer of data from your QuickBooks to Shopify, you’ll need to download the QuickBooks Desktop POS Migration Tool. Follow these steps to install the tool:

• Navigate to “Home” within your Shopify store.
• Find the migration guide of QuickBooks and click on “Import Products.”
• Then Select “Launch connector” and Click “Install.”
• Then, click on “Install App.”
• Lastly, click on “Get Started” and begin the process of migrating data from QuickBooks POS to Shopify’s POS.
• Click “Allow” to grant the necessary permissions.

With these steps completed, you’re on your way to streamlining your transition to your Shopify POS.

Step 4: Importing All the Data Files to Shopify 

Now, it’s time to transfer that data into your Shopify POS. Follow these steps to start the importing process:

• Click on the Add the data files option you wish to import, such as Customers, Vendors, or Inventory.
• Browse your computer to locate the folder where you previously exported your company’s POS data. Then, upload these files to your Shopify account.
• Select the QuickBooks POS items you want to import and click “Open.”
• After the data is uploaded, you’ll need to type in Stocky API to initiate the migration.

Step 5: Completing the Process

Stocky, Shopify’s application for inventory management that is at zero cost for QuickBooks POS users. Here’s how you can get the Stocky API key: follow these steps:

• Continuing the fourth step, navigate and click on the Find the API key option.
• The following window will prompt you to type in your store’s domain.
• Click on “Install app.”
• Your account will begin to sync.
• After the sync is complete, click on “OK.”
• Go to the “Preferences” and then select “API access.”
• Then, Click on the button to Generate the API key.
• Copy the generated API and paste it into the Desktop Connector.
• Click on the “Next” option.

Step 6: Add the New Locations to Your Shopify Store

Now, all the files are successfully uploaded, and you can proceed to match your QuickBooks store locations with those in your Shopify store. 

Here’s how to do it:

• On the ” Location matching option,” choose an existing location from your Shopify store.
• If you need a new location in Shopify, click “Add a new location.”
• With your locations matched and ready, click on “Start Migration.”

The migration process will start. The duration of this process may vary, taking a few hours based on the size of the data file. 

Alternatives To QuickBooks And Shopify POS

If you are looking for other QuickBooks POS alternatives, there are plenty of options in the market. Here are some popular choices: 

Square

Square POS is a cutting-edge cloud-based business management system designed to streamline your business operations with better features than QuickBooks. With this versatile solution, you can efficiently manage inventory, monitor sales, securely process payments, and more. It’s no wonder that millions of businesses rely on Square Point of Sale for their daily operations.

Key Features:

• The Square Point of Sale system is entirely virtual, offering compatibility with various software applications. And it can be accessed from any device.
• Getting started with Square POS is a breeze, as it offers a free entry point. There are no installation or setup costs, and you won’t encounter any monthly fees. 
• Square Point of Sale takes your business a step further by offering an integrated online store free of charge. What’s more, businesses have the freedom to customize their online store to reflect their unique brand and product offerings.
• Square POS doesn’t operate in isolation; it seamlessly integrates with other Square small business tools. These integrations span various aspects, including employee management and the CRM. 

Clover Network

Clover serves as a comprehensive solution for small businesses’ various customer checkout requirements. It has both POS hardware and software, credit card processing, virtual terminals, and online ordering capabilities. With Clover, you gain access to swift credit card and digital payment processing and a versatile system that facilitates online order acceptance, supports gift cards, provides inventory management, generates reports, and even aids in implementing loyalty programs.

Key Features: 

• One distinct financial feature offered by Clover is Clover Rapid Deposit. This service expedites the transfer of funds from your card sales, reducing the standard waiting period from one or two days to mere minutes. 
• Clover stands out as an all-in-one solution, presenting additional payment financing options that aren’t readily available with many of its competitors.
• Clover extends e-commerce tools to its customers, allowing them to construct websites, synchronize orders, and efficiently manage inventory and customer data.
• It offers a multifaceted approach to address the diverse demands of businesses, making it a valuable asset for modern enterprises.

Lavu

Lavu is a versatile POS solution tailor-made for the hospitality industry, serving a broad spectrum of businesses ranging from full-service restaurants, quick-service establishments, and franchise restaurants to food trucks, coffee shops, and nightlife venues like bars and lounges. The system provides users with a choice between specialized interfaces, namely bar, restaurant, and quick-service, each meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs of their respective environments.

Key Features:

• Suited for Freelancers, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and Large Enterprises
• Compatible with iPad and iPhone
• Integration capabilities with popular platforms such as PayPal, Square POS, Marketman, and Paychex Flex.

Talech

Talech POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system catering to diverse industries, including restaurants, retail establishments, and professional services businesses. Its remarkable repertoire of industry-specific features and flexible hardware options positions it as a compelling choice for many businesses seeking efficient POS solutions. 

However, it’s worth noting that Square and Clover may hold a distinct allure for businesses seeking comprehensive, all-in-one solutions with their analogous monthly costs and proprietary hardware offerings.

Key Features:

• One of the standout attributes of Talech POS is its user-friendly interface and the extensive range of features it provides. 
• It offers the advantage of not mandating a commitment to a specific credit card processing service.
• Talech POS is designed for ease of use, promising a seamless connection of all components, which it delivers with precision.
• This software is particularly well-suited for merchants and other small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aligning with their specific operational requirements and growth objectives.

Conclusion

QuickBooks Point of Sale’s discontinuation marks the end of an era of efficient business management. Users should consider security risks and explore alternatives like Shopify, Square, Clover, Lavu, and Talech, tailored to specific business needs for a smooth transition.

 

Released in 1983, QuickBooks is a consumer-friendly software designed by Intuit to organize and automate tedious tasks. Operating as a cloud-based platform, QuickBooks Online can simplify your day-to-day operations. It basically helps you relax without having your business fall apart.

If you are running a small business with no interest in investing your time in learning complicated software to upgrade your company’s operations, QuickBooks Online is the answer for you. It will serve you with customized solutions developed for the sole purpose of managing your finances.

Now, you might assume that this accounting software of high-tech facilities would cost a fortune, which is not very appealing to most people. Luckily, according to QuickBooks pricing details, it offers a choice between multiple subscription plans based on your individual needs. This way, you won’t have to pay for anything that does not benefit your company. Availing of discounted deals before the purchase can also save you some money.

How Much Does QuickBooks Online Costs?

Even though no one can guarantee the exact amount, you can still figure out a quick estimate for a start. The total payable cost is an accumulation of several small charges which are not always clarified upfront. To help determine what works for you, we will point out the factors affecting the QuickBooks Online pricing.

QuickBooks Online Subscription Plans

Before you sign up for a long-term billing commitment, we would advise a survey of the subscription plans initiated by QuickBooks. This will disburden you from excessive features and ensure that you are only charged for what you utilize. These subscription plans include free access for the first 30 days. However, if you want to relish the 50% discount deal, you cannot avail of the free trial.

QuickBooks Simple Start

Simple Start is the most basic plan that offers single-user control and charges $30 per month without an annual deduction. With this plan, you (and your accountant) can send invoices, keep tabs on client’s payments, organize receipts, track GST, and access reports on your income and expenses. Although subscribing to the Simple Start plan won’t dramatically improve your business model overnight, you will significantly benefit from the live bank feeds, budget and cash flow forecasting, and bookkeeping functions.

Developing a client database will monitor overdue bills to update you on who has not paid yet. Doing that can help you avoid uncalled-for situations. Vehicle tracking can be used to review driving time and fuel updates.

One thing that needs to be considered is that this plan is recommended for small businesses requiring basic accounting with access to over 20 reports. They can connect to only one sales channel. The customer support options are primary. Users can avail the live chat and phone support. Email customer service and training through video tutorials are also covered.

QuickBooks Online Essentials

QuickBooks Online pricing for its Essentials subscription plan starts from a $60 monthly fee. Along with everything offered in the Simple Start plan, users subscribing to this plan can connect to over three online sales channels, access time tracking, scan and pay bills, and update unpaid bills. The perk is that up to 3 users can share the QuickBooks account and access over 40 reports.

The Essential Plan is suitable for fast-growing businesses and includes basic consumer support and recurring billing features. It initiates the possibility of tracking billable hours and editing them separately in the invoices for each client.

QuickBooks Online Plus

Offering advanced features to accommodate businesses that demand project management and inventory tracking, QuickBooks Online Plus costs $90 per month. It simultaneously allows access to 5 users and purveys job costing, budget management, and class tracking. Users can connect to all sales channels to increase efficiency and view illimitable live reports. Another note-worthy feature that you will need is tax support.

QuickBooks Online Plus is highly preferred among medium-scale businesses as it offers all the necessary functions within an affordable budget. You can view all projects in one place while tracking the detailed expenses of each task separately. Adding the ability to manage inventory and getting notified about stock availability makes it the most recommended pricing plan.

After importing the data from Excel, you can easily sync it with any shopping platform. You can share the desired product information on notable online marketplaces such as Amazon and Shopify instantly without taking any tedious steps.

QuickBooks Online Advanced

If you are a large business that prefers dedicated customer support and advanced analytics, the Advanced subscription plan is designed for you. It advertises free online training classes, batch invoices, and automated revenue recognition. You will be assisted by a dedicated account manager and gain personalized user permissions. To ensure timely decisions, active reporting tools can be brought to use.

By paying a monthly $200, the account can be accessible to 25 users and enjoy the benefits of advanced forecasting with Fathom. Not only that, QuickBooks Online Essentials facilitates the latest data sync features and premium apps such as Bill.com, LeanLaw, and DocuSign.

QuickBooks Online Self-Employed

This is a separate subscription plan for freelancers, independently working users, and self-employed contractors. It offers one-user access for a monthly $15 or above. You can track various expenses, send invoices to customers, and capture & send regular receipts. Managing accounts receivables and connecting bank accounts are some of the accommodations for QuickBooks subscribers.

The Self-Employed subscription allows freelancers to track miles on their smartphone (on the app) and organize their schedule efficiently to prepare for the next project and pursue new clients. This subscription also purveys essential consumer support options comprised of quarterly tax estimation and primary reporting. It is a bummer that important features such as budget forecasting, project accounting, and account payables management are excluded from this plan.

QuickBooks Pricing and Additional Fees

To understand exactly how much does QuickBooks Online costs, it is essential to analyze the subsidiary costs included in the terms. For instance, you will be charged extra dollars if you request the add-on features available to all subscribers. Whether it’s online integration, standard checks, or live bookkeeping, every small benefit you enjoy will be a little heavier on the pocket.

In addition to the initial subscription charges, you will be liable to pay the following fees to maintain your QuickBooks account.

Business Capital Loan

If you are a small business in dire need of funding, QuickBooks will offer you a capital loan to help you land on your feet. You can invest it in a new opportunity or to pay employee wages. Nobody will inquire about the reason for requesting the loan if you meet the eligibility criteria.

But that’s not all. Depending on the loan amount, QuickBooks will demand APRs and weekly payments. The Annual Percentage rate starts from 9.99% and higher based on the term length and credit score.

Payment Gateway Charges

QuickBooks Online pricing is also dependent on your payment gateway. You can either use the company’s proprietary gateway or choose from the 25 offered gateways of your preference. Regardless, this is an average estimate of what you will be charged;

• 1% for ACH transfer
• 9% plus $0.25 for invoices
• 4% plus $0.25 for swiped card transactions
• 4% plus $0.25 for keyed-in credit card transactions

Tax Support

In a hurry to know the exact cost, you might forget to consider that QuickBooks demands extra charges for tax forms that you can purchase from Intuit. QuickBooks Online facilitates kits with envelopes as you have to file business taxes manually instead of online. Based on the number of forms, the cost starts from $17.99.

Online Integration

QuickBooks Online facilitates integration with over 750 platforms for you to benefit from additional features. Most of these integrations are included in the monthly subscription fee, while some are charged individually. Nevertheless, if you plan on enjoying add-on features, be prepared to embrace the dent in your pocket; online integrations come with a huge price tag.

QuickBooks Checks

For convenience, you can purchase business wallet checks, standard checks, and vouchers directly from QuickBooks but for a price. The standard QuickBooks check costs $46.26 per 50 checks. An estimate of QuickBooks pricing for some other physical checks goes as follows;

• $47.07 for 50 wallet checks
• $70.79 for 300 manual checks
• $71.68 for 50 voucher checks
• $$42.79 for 120 personal checks
• $113.74 for 250 office checks

Remember that these are just the starting prices. The total can vary depending on the type of check.

Live Bookkeeping

Purchasing software and knowing how to utilize it to gain maximum productivity are entirely separate things. With QuickBooks’ live bookkeeping facility, certified experts will teach you how to operate the available features and manage your books. Based on your company’s size, the price range is $200 to $600 monthly. The package values account reconciliation, income statements, and balance sheets.

Account Setup

As easy as it seems, setting up your QuickBooks account can be difficult for the first time. You will find yourself stressing about several things that must go right on your first try. By paying $50, you can stop worrying about starting off on the wrong foot and ask unlimited questions in a session with a certified expert. This is a small fee to learn to set up the account correctly the first time.

QuickBooks Checking

Even though QuickBooks offers a free checking account with valuable services such as debit card access, QuickBooks Envelopes, and forecasting, maintaining this account is not all free. You will be charged additional fees that are not disclosed upfront.

QuickBooks Online Payroll Plans

Another important factor while determining ‘how much does QuickBooks Online cost?’ is considering the payroll pricing. QuickBooks offers three payroll plans: Core, Premium, and Elite. The plan you choose and what you pay for depends on the features you require.

• The Core payroll plan costs $5 per employee with a $75 monthly fee. This is the most basic plan and includes employee benefits, payroll tax filing, and automated payrolls.
• The Premium plan demands a monthly $160 with $8 per employee and offers same-day deposit, automated paycheck control, and time tracking.
• The monthly and per-employee fee of the Elite plan is $125 plus $10. Penalty protection and basic troubleshooting come under this plan.

These payroll plans can be packaged with your subscription plans to give you a total of what you pay for both.

What is QuickBooks Online Best for?

Considering that you will be paying a ridiculous amount to maintain the accounting software, it is logical to know if it is compatible with your business. Instead of going ahead and signing up hastily, you need to slow down and ask yourself if QuickBooks Online is the right pick for you. You need to know all the trade-offs of the said software. Who benefits the most from a QuickBooks Online account is also a significant consideration.

QuickBooks Online is best recommended for freelancers, professional accountants, mid-sized companies with diverse clientele, large enterprises with full-fledged accounting teams, growing companies, fully functioning small businesses, self-employed users, and independent contractors.

Another thing that counts in this discussion is the price range. It won’t be a lie to say that maintaining a QuickBooks account is tough on the wallet. Besides the hefty subscription fee, users worry about a list of additional charges that are not affordable for everyone. The subscription plan that a user can afford may lack the right features or adequate support.

You are supposed to clarify these things head-on, allowing QuickBooks to benefit your company and not cause extreme inconvenience.

How to Save Money on QuickBooks Online?

Even though QuickBooks is an expensive software, it is not entirely impossible to maintain. If you are someone who is desperately in need of a QuickBooks subscription and doesn’t want to consider switching to another provider, this part of the article is especially for you. Here, we will discuss a few simple ways to lower your QuickBooks Online fee and make it less budget-draining.

Be Quick to Grab Discounts

QuickBooks often lists sales and discounts on the official website for promotional reasons. Contacting a salesperson and being active on the website can help you save some money. You will be eligible for better discounts while switching from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. Be aware that availing the 30-day free trial before buying the subscription would exempt you automatically from any discount deals.

But here is some good news to cheer you up: QuickBooks Online offers 50% off on all subscriptions to users who do not request a free trial. You can always test-drive the software instead of opting for the free 30-day trial.

Decide What Plan Suits You

Another crucial point to be noted concerns the subscription plans. As mentioned earlier, QuickBooks offers a series of subscriptions to pick according to your requirements. Signing up for the wrong pricing plan would only cause a strain on your budget instead of delivering the expected outcome. As a result, you will have several unrequired features with very little money to maintain the account. Here are some tips to avoid all of that;

• Research the available options to find out what plan suits your needs. If you are a freelancer working single-handedly, the Self-Employed Plan is for you. But if you are a small business with a small team of employees, you should opt for the Simple Start plan. The Plus Plan is the right choice for you if your business is expanding its reach. Whereas the Advanced Plan is designed solely for large enterprises demanding additional support.
• You can downgrade or upgrade your subscription anytime. Instead of with the wrong plan, you can purchase the Simple Start Plan and upgrade as your business evolves.
• If you realize that most of the advanced features are being wasted on your hands, downgrade to the more suitable subscription plan.

Eliminate the Extra Costs

QuickBooks checks are ridiculously pricy. Buying physical checks from another vendor would prove less expensive. QuickBooks Online payrolls are not so cheap either. Start with Core to see if it’s adequate for your payroll needs. You can always switch to another payroll plan if your preferences shift.

Unsubscribe from Unwanted Integrations

QuickBooks Online offers a series of third-party integrations, but choosing the right one can be confusing. In some cases, your QuickBooks management features are adequate. You might not need to integrate with another software application as the offered features are already available in your QBO plan. Avoid paying extra for what you already have and ditch the unnecessary integrations.

Final Verdict on QuickBooks Online Pricing for 2023

It is impossible to decipher the exact cost of keeping a QuickBooks Online account, but that does not mean you should not figure out an estimate. If you plan to create a more practical budget for your company, you need to know everything that affects the pricing. It will give you some clarity on calculating the total cost.

QuickBooks Online is an extraordinary platform offering convenience in exchange for money.  Yet, it’s not your only option. There are many alternative accounting software facilitating similar features at a lower price. Nevertheless, if you are willing to ignore the price range, QuickBooks Online purveys unbeatable facilities that can drastically improve your business management system.