CustomBooks (AccountingSuite)

What is CustomBooks™

CustomBooks™ is a cloud-based accounting, inventory, and payroll software designed for small and growing businesses. Developed by Yellow Labs Software Inc., with headquarters in San Francisco, California, the platform's core purpose is to provide a flexible and scalable financial management solution. Unlike many one-size-fits-all accounting tools, CustomBooks™ emphasizes customization, allowing businesses to tailor workflows and modules to fit their specific operational needs. It combines powerful accounting features with advanced inventory management, making it a comprehensive tool for companies that handle physical goods. The software operates entirely online, giving users secure access to their financial data from any device with an internet connection.

CustomBooks™ Features

CustomBooks™ offers a range of features to help businesses manage their finances and operations effectively.

• Customizable Platform: The software is highly flexible, allowing users to modify workflows and processes to match their unique business requirements.
• Cloud-Based Access: Being fully cloud-based, you can access your company's financial data, reports, and dashboards from anywhere, at any time.
• Powerful Accounting: It includes robust accounting functionalities, such as an upgraded cash basis (OCBOA Standards) and GAAP-compliant accrual accounting. Standard features like general ledger, balance sheets, and cash flow statements are included.
• Advanced Inventory Management: The platform provides detailed inventory tracking capabilities, which is ideal for businesses in retail, wholesale, or manufacturing.
• Integrated Payroll: CustomBooks™ includes a payroll module to manage employee salaries, taxes, and deductions within the same system.
• Unlimited Users: The software does not charge per user. Businesses can add as many team members, accountants, or contractors as they need without extra cost.
• User Roles and Permissions: Administrators can set detailed user privileges to control access to sensitive information and specific modules, ensuring data security.
• Interactive Guidance: Powered by WalkMe™, the software has a built-in support toolkit that provides interactive walkthroughs, instant answers, and quick access to help articles and videos.

CustomBooks™ Pricing Plans

CustomBooks™ provides customized pricing based on the specific needs and scale of a business. The pricing structure is not publicly listed, and potential customers are encouraged to contact the sales team for a quote. This approach ensures that businesses only pay for the features and capacity they require.

Typically, the plans are structured to cater to different business sizes:

• Small Business Plan: Aimed at startups and small companies needing core accounting, inventory, and payroll features.
• Growth Plan: Designed for growing businesses that require more advanced features, greater customization, and priority support.
• Enterprise Plan: A fully tailored solution for larger organizations with complex workflows, needing dedicated support and extensive integration capabilities.

CustomBooks™ Free Plan

CustomBooks™ does not offer a permanently free plan. However, it provides a free trial for new users to explore the software's full feature set. The trial does not require a credit card to sign up, allowing businesses to test the platform without any financial commitment. During the trial period, users have access to all modules and can evaluate if the software is a good fit for their operations. There are no obligations or contracts associated with the free trial.

How to use CustomBooks™

Getting started with CustomBooks™ is a straightforward process designed to help you transition smoothly.

1. Sign Up for the Free Trial: Visit the CustomBooks™ website and sign up for the free trial. No credit card is needed.
2. Attend a Webinar: It is highly recommended to join the weekly "Getting Started with CustomBooks™" webinar. This live session provides a comprehensive overview of the software's navigation and core features.
3. Migrate Your Data: You can migrate your existing financial data into CustomBooks™. The platform offers tools for you to do it yourself, or you can use their dedicated team for assistance.
4. Configure Your Account: Set up your chart of accounts, customize modules to fit your business processes, and configure user roles and permissions for your team.
5. Start Your Operations: Begin creating invoices, managing bills, tracking inventory, and processing payroll.
6. Utilize Built-in Help: Use the interactive WalkMe™ guidance tool if you have questions about specific tasks or workflows.
7. Generate Reports: Access and analyze key financial reports like the balance sheet, trial balance, and cash flow statement to monitor your business health.

Pros and Cons of CustomBooks™

Pros:

• Highly Customizable: The platform's main strength is its ability to be tailored to specific business workflows.
• Unlimited Users: A single subscription includes access for an unlimited number of users, which is very cost-effective for growing teams.
• Integrated Solution: It combines accounting, inventory, and payroll in one platform, reducing the need for multiple software tools.
• Strong Support and Training: Offers comprehensive support resources, including interactive guides and weekly webinars.
• Cloud-Based: Provides the flexibility to manage your business from anywhere.

Cons:

• No Transparent Pricing: You must contact sales for a quote, which can make it difficult to compare costs upfront.
• Potential Learning Curve: The high degree of customization may require more time for setup and training compared to simpler, off-the-shelf software.
• May Be Overkill for Very Small Businesses: Businesses with very simple needs might find the extensive features more complex than necessary.

CustomBooks™ integrations

CustomBooks™ is built as a comprehensive, all-in-one solution. While it does not publicly list a marketplace of pre-built third-party integrations, its customizable nature suggests that it can connect with other systems. Integrations are typically handled through its API or with the assistance of the CustomBooks™ support team to ensure seamless data flow between platforms. Common integration types for such a system would include:

• CRM Systems: To sync customer data and sales information.
• E-commerce Platforms: For automatically recording online sales and updating inventory.
• Payment Gateways: To process online payments for invoices.
• Banking Feeds: To automatically import bank transactions.

CustomBooks™ Alternatives

• QuickBooks Enterprise: CustomBooks™ positions itself as a direct alternative. QuickBooks Enterprise is a powerful desktop-based solution with strong accounting features, but CustomBooks™ offers greater flexibility as a cloud-native, fully customizable platform.
• NetSuite ERP: A more comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system suitable for larger companies. NetSuite offers broader functionality beyond accounting and inventory, including CRM and e-commerce, but comes at a higher price point.
• Xero: A popular cloud accounting software known for its user-friendly interface and strong integration marketplace. Xero is excellent for small businesses but may lack the deep inventory management and customization that CustomBooks™ provides.
• Zoho Books: Part of the large Zoho ecosystem of business applications. It is a great choice for businesses already using other Zoho products, offering seamless integration within its suite. However, its customization may not be as extensive as CustomBooks™.

CustomBooks™ API

Yes, CustomBooks™ provides an API for developers to build custom integrations and connect the software with other business systems. The API allows for programmatic access to data and functionalities within the platform, enabling automated workflows and data synchronization. To get access to the API documentation, credentials, and support, developers or businesses should contact the CustomBooks™ partner or support team directly through their website. An API key is typically provided after a request and verification process.

Example of a potential API call to fetch an invoice (conceptual):

{
  "action": "get_invoice",
  "api_key": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
  "payload": {
    "invoice_id": "INV-2023-00123"
  }
}

CustomBooks™ Affiliate program

CustomBooks™ offers a Partner Program for accountants, bookkeepers, and business consultants. This program is designed for professionals who manage finances for multiple clients or recommend software solutions. By signing up as a partner, you can gain access to resources, training, and potential revenue-sharing opportunities. The specific commission rates and payment details are typically provided after you have been accepted into the program. To join, you should fill out the "Partner Sign Up" form on the CustomBooks™ website. A partner manager will then contact you with more information about the program's benefits and requirements.