Only in New Zealand – more expensive to buy online!
A few weeks ago, my trusty laptop took an impressive dive off the table. (and that’s all I’m saying on the subject!) The screen is shattered, though the innards are actually still ok. But ho hum – I need a laptop with a working screen, so we bought a new one (we have a $500 excess on our insurance so in the end it wasn’t worth a claim).
Everything was fine until last week when Quicken stopped working properly and reverted to data 3 weeks old. We got that fixed, and then it did it again. SO we figured that my steam powered Quicken 2000 version was just too darn old to work with Windows 7.
So – time to upgrade – reluctantly. Ages ago I had asked for a 90 day trial version of the new quicken, but hadn’t used it. We loaded it – then found out that you actually can’t convert data from the ancient 2000 version to the 2012 version. Which when we have just 1 measly week to go before the end of year accounts need to be done – is -shall we say – bloody frustrating.
Hubby McGyvered up the laptop, a monitor and 2 USB sticks so I can use the old quicken to keep me running for another week or so and do the end of year – while I try out the new 2012 version (and wade through putting in all my accounts, categories, standing orders and trying to figure out where everything is and why the colour scheme is so lousy, and swear frequently at not being able to transfer all my data.
Now, 1n 2000, you bought Quicken. One program – did everything. I run over 10 accounts, 6 savings pots, 3 currencies and do the GST. It cost Hubby 24UKP. Now in 2012 – they have split all of that up into 3 separate versions: Quicken Personal ($99), Personal Plus ($199) and home and business ($349). Back when I asked for the trial there was a handy comparison check list on the website – and I figured I needed the Home & Business version. Now I needed to actually buy – I couldn’t find that checklist and needed it (just to make sure I wasn’t paying $349 when $99 would do the trick).
I emailed Quicken and asked to be sent the comparison chart. I got sent a new trial download. I asked again, and was told they don’t have one, but that the website has all the information (it doesn’t), and a list of everything that has changed since the last version. Which doesn’t help if the either you are new to quicken, or you are using – let’s say – Quicken 2000!
So, less than impressed, I toddled off to Noel Leeming on Tory St. I had to ask if they had copies of Quicken (they only had QuickBooks on the shelf) and a very helpful guy grabbed the Personal & Personal Plus for me. Personal Plus has the very same Checklist on the pack that I had early seen on the website but is no longer there – and according to Quicken itself doesn’t exist.
Unfortunate – as I need GST – I need the $349 Version – Home and Business (GST remember was included in my trusty 2000 version for a single flat price).
Best news – Noel Leeming sell Quicken Home and Business for a mere $299.
A saving of $50 on buying a download with no packaging, no printed user guide, and no customer service, and considerably less profit for Quicken itself.
So, many thanks to the guy at Noel Leeming for being so helpful. And to Quicken NZ -
(Oh – and if anyone thinks the Trade Me “Helpdesk” is expensive to ring at $1.99 a minute – Quicken NZ would like to charge $4.95 (+GST). I hope the tech help is better than the retail help. A lot better.
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