Will the Template File fix my existing QuickBooks file?
No. The Template File has no effect on your existing company file. The Template File is a separate QuickBooks file that is already setup for a construction company. The idea is that you would stop using your existing file and adopt the Template File as your new company file.
Will the Template File copy over my existing QuickBooks data?
No. Your existing QuickBooks company file will remain completely unaffected by the Template File, and in fact you may need to open and review your old company file on occasion. To ensure that there is no possibility of accidentally copying over your existing data, we’ve designed the Template installation routine to install the Template Files an entirely new folder on your hard drive named “QuickBooks Files”.
Will I lose my existing QuickBooks data?
No. Again, the Template File has no effect on your existing company file, and the installation routine copies the Template Files into a completely new folder.
Can I copy or transfer data from my existing QuickBooks file to the Template File?
Yes and No. You can export and then import your Vendor and Customer names and related information from your existing company file into the Template File. Unfortunately, QuickBooks does not allow for the exporting and subsequent importing of transactions, which means you cannot copy your checkbook ledger from your existing company file into the Template File. Believe me, we’ve tried every possibility, including using third party programs like Data Junction and also hiring programmers to write a custom software application. It can’t be done.
If I buy the Template File, do I also have to buy a copy of QuickBooks?
Yes. The Template File is not a stand-alone program, it is a QuickBooks Pro data file, and thus requires QuickBooks Pro to open and use.
Does the Template File work with QuickBooks and QuickBooks Pro?
No. You must be using QuickBooks Pro, not QuickBooks. The Template File is a QuickBooks Pro data file, and thus can only be opened by QuickBooks Pro.
Which version of QuickBooks Pro should I be using now?
The Template Files are available for QuickBooks Pro versions 6.0. 99, 2000 and 2001. However, we recommend that you should be using QuickBooks Pro 99 at a minimum, which means that if you are using version 6.0 you should be considering an upgrade.
Where will the Template File be located?
The Template File installation program will create a new folder on your hard drive named QuickBooks Files, and will copy the three Template Files into this folder, from where you may open them in QuickBooks Pro. The installation program will also create an Icon on your Windows Desktop also named QuickBooks Files that will open the folder and allow you to select the Template File, which is named QBsetup.qbw. As a practical matter, many people decide to move their existing QuickBooks company file to this folder also, simply to have all their QuickBooks company files in one place. The Installation and Setup Guide provides detailed instructions for finding and opening the Template Files.
How long does it take to convert to the Template File?
There is no single answer to this question because everyone’s situation is different. For example, if you are just starting your company, or starting with a fresh set of books at the beginning of your fiscal year, then it wouldn’t take you more than a hour to enter your customers, vendors and checking account balance into the Template File. On the other hand, if you desire to enter several months worth of past transactions, the conversion could take several hours. A good rule of thumb is that you can generally enter approximately 60 checks an hour, so if you have 600 checks to re-enter, it will probably take you 10 hours. The good news is that you don’t have to do all this data entry in one sitting, and in fact you can spread it out over several weeks if you wish.
Do I need to upgrade the Template File when new versions of QuickBooks are released?
No. Once you’ve adopted the Template File as your company file, it becomes your file. After that point, you don’t want to replace it with a new, blank Template. Of course, as new versions of QuickBooks are released, you will probably want to upgrade the Program, which would include upgrading your company data file, not replacing it with a new blank Template File. The Template File is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
How many companies can I setup with the Template File?
As many as you like. Your license allows you to copy and use the Template File for as many businesses as you or your corporation own. We know that there are a lot of contractors that have more than one construction business, perhaps starting separate corporations to develop specific properties or running subcontracting businesses in addition to building. Again, the Template File is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase.
Do I have to use your Chart of Accounts and Cost Code System?
No. Because it’s a QuickBooks data file, you are free to change the pre-installed Chart of Accounts and the three cost codes systems as you wish. In fact, because the pre-installed Chart of Accounts is so extensive, you will probably want to go through it and deactivate those accounts that you know you personally won’t be needing. As a practical matter, I can tell you that the vast majority of Template File users appreciate the effort and research we’ve put into the Chart of Accounts and quickly decide that it’s in their best interest to adopt and perhaps customize what we’ve already done.
If we purchase the Template File and later decide not to use it, can we return it?
Sorry, No. At that point, the toothpaste is already out of the tube, which is why we provide as much data about the Template File as possible on this website, including the Sample Reports, the Manual, the Chart of Accounts and the Cost Codes. While we are confident from our many users that the Template File is a great tool and a good value, we want you to consider it’s purchase carefully. If you have any questions, please call us and we’ll be pleased to engage in an extended conversation about what the Template File can do for you.
Why can't you provide a demo of the Template File?
Because it’s a QuickBooks Pro data file, we don’t have any ability to limit how a demo would be used. We considered releasing the Sample File (which is included with the Template Files) as a demo, but somebody could easily export the Chart of Accounts and other list items out of the Sample File and into their own blank file. Sorry, we’ve tried.