How to Test-Drive QuickBooks Online for FREE

If you’re looking to try QuickBooks Online for free, you’ve come to the right place! In this video by Accounting Stuff, you’ll learn how to access the QuickBooks Online sample company and test drive all the features of this cloud accounting software. Whether you’re a small business owner looking for the right software or a student wanting to practice real-life bookkeeping, QuickBooks Online offers a subscription service tailored to your needs. You’ll have the chance to explore the main dashboard, raise invoices, check the chart of accounts, and more. Keep in mind that this is a test drive, so any changes you make won’t be saved, but it’s a great opportunity to see if QuickBooks Online is the right fit for you.

Happy Christmas! Enjoy this video and check out the Accounting Basics playlist on Accounting Stuff’s channel for more helpful tutorials.

Accessing QuickBooks Online Sample Company

Using a Quick Google Search

To access the QuickBooks Online sample company, you can start by doing a quick Google search for “test drive QuickBooks Online.” This will bring up the official test drive link provided by QuickBooks. Clicking on this link will take you to a page where you will be asked to verify if you are a robot. Simply check the box to indicate that you are not a robot, and you will be able to proceed to the QuickBooks Online sample company.

Verifying That You’re Not a Robot

To ensure security and prevent bots from accessing the test drive, you may be prompted to complete a quick verification process to prove that you are indeed a human. This may involve clicking on specific pictures that match a given description or completing a captcha. Once you have successfully completed the verification process, you will be granted access to the QuickBooks Online sample company.

Exploring the Main Dashboard

Overview of the Sample Company

Upon accessing the QuickBooks Online sample company, you will be greeted by the main dashboard. Here, you can explore all the features that QuickBooks Online has to offer. The sample company provided is called “Craig’s Design & Landscaping Services” and is filled with various transactions and data. This gives you a realistic view of how QuickBooks Online functions when it comes to managing day-to-day business operations. It is an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with the software and see if it meets your specific needs.

Different Sample Companies for Different Countries

If you do not see “Craig’s Design & Landscaping Services” or if you are located in a different country, fear not! QuickBooks Online provides different sample companies tailored to different countries such as the United States, Canada, India, Australia, the UK, and more. Each sample company caters to the specific accounting practices, currencies, and tax regulations of its respective country. This allows users from around the world to experience QuickBooks Online in a way that aligns with their local requirements.

Navigating the Software Features

Raising Invoices

One of the key features of QuickBooks Online is the ability to raise invoices. Within the sample company, you can navigate to the invoicing section and explore the different options available. You can create and customize invoices, track payments, and even set up recurring invoices. This functionality allows you to understand how QuickBooks Online streamlines the invoicing process, making it more efficient and organized.

Checking the Chart of Accounts

The chart of accounts is a fundamental component of any accounting software. Within QuickBooks Online, you can access the chart of accounts and see how it is structured. This feature allows you to understand how accounts are categorized and organized within the software. You can explore different account types, such as assets, liabilities, equity, and revenue. This gives you a comprehensive view of the financial health of the sample company and how QuickBooks Online tracks and manages various accounts.

Exploring Banking Features

QuickBooks Online also offers robust banking features that help streamline financial transactions. Although some of the banking features may be disabled in the sample company for security reasons, you can still explore and understand how these features work. You can navigate to the banking section and see how QuickBooks Online allows you to connect and sync your bank accounts, reconcile transactions, and manage cash flow. This gives you a glimpse into how QuickBooks Online simplifies the task of managing your business finances.

Limitations of Test-Driving Software

Changes Won’t Be Saved

It’s important to note that when test-driving QuickBooks Online, any changes you make within the sample company will not be saved. The purpose of the test drive is to give you a hands-on experience with the software without affecting any real data or accounts. This means that each time you access the test drive, it will reset to its original state. However, this limitation allows you to freely explore and practice using QuickBooks Online without the risk of making irreversible changes to your real account.

Disabled Banking Features

To ensure the security of users’ financial information, QuickBooks Online may disable certain banking features within the test drive. This means that you won’t be able to connect the test drive with your real bank account or perform actual transactions. While this limitation may be temporarily frustrating, it is necessary to protect sensitive data and prevent any unauthorized actions. Remember, the test drive is primarily meant for learning and exploration rather than conducting real financial operations.

Benefits of Test-Driving QuickBooks Online

Deciding if QuickBooks Online is a Good Fit

Test-driving QuickBooks Online gives you the opportunity to thoroughly explore its features and functionalities. While watching tutorials and reading about the software can provide you with some understanding, there’s nothing quite like hands-on experience. By test-driving QuickBooks Online, you can assess whether it meets the specific needs and requirements of your business. This firsthand experience allows you to make an informed decision about whether to subscribe to QuickBooks Online and integrate it into your workflows.

Practicing Without Making Errors in Real Accounts

One of the greatest benefits of test-driving QuickBooks Online is the ability to practice without the fear of making errors in your real accounts. Since the test drive does not save any changes, you can confidently experiment with different features and workflows. This practice can help you become more proficient with QuickBooks Online and minimize the risk of mistakes when you start using the software with your actual business accounts. It allows you to become comfortable and confident in navigating and utilizing the full potential of QuickBooks Online.

Creating a QuickBooks Online Playlist

Using Test Drive Data to Walk Through Key Features

To further enhance your learning experience, you can create a QuickBooks Online playlist using the test drive data. This playlist can serve as a virtual tutorial that walks you through the various key features of QuickBooks Online. By utilizing the sample company provided in the test drive, you can demonstrate and practice specific workflows, such as creating invoices, managing accounts, and generating reports. This playlist can be a valuable resource for yourself or others who are interested in learning QuickBooks Online.

Stay Tuned for More Accounting Basics

While the test drive provides a hands-on experience with QuickBooks Online, it is important to continue learning and expanding your knowledge of accounting basics. QuickBooks Online is just one tool in the vast field of accounting, and there’s always more to discover. Stay tuned for more accounting basics tutorials that cover a range of topics beyond QuickBooks Online, helping you develop a well-rounded understanding of accounting principles and practices.

Conclusion

Test-driving QuickBooks Online allows you to explore the software’s features, navigate the main dashboard, and familiarize yourself with its capabilities. It serves as a risk-free opportunity to practice using QuickBooks Online and decide if it aligns with your business needs. Whether you’re a small business owner, a student studying accounting, or simply curious about accounting software, test-driving QuickBooks Online can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. So, take advantage of the free test drive and start exploring the world of QuickBooks Online today!