Quickbooks Online wholesale billing contract - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

Princess · Senior Member

Quickbooks Online wholesale billing contract

VinceH · Expert

I can't actually answer your question (sorry!) because I won't go down that route - while I use Xero, it's because the client themselves wants to use Xero; they pay for it directly.

But you do raise an interesting issue: In the scenario you're looking at, the contract for the cloudy software is between you and your client.

As I said, I have no answer, but consider this a 'bump' for this thread. I'd be interested in hearing people's views.

Princess · Senior Member

Thanks. There doesn't seem to be any take up though! We have got quite a few clients on QuickBooks Online now and are able to make a little bit of money out of it due to the discount QuickBooks give us. we haven't as yet given any of them a contract but I want to give them something which will direct them to QuickBooks for any issues and which says we are only responsible for the billing side.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Princess wrote:
Thanks. There doesn't seem to be any take up though! We have got quite a few clients on QuickBooks Online now and are able to make a little bit of money out of it due to the discount QuickBooks give us. we haven't as yet given any of them a contract but I want to give them something which will direct them to QuickBooks for any issues and which says we are only responsible for the billing side.

Is there a chance that they consider that the contract is with you though given nothing is in writing at the time of purchase and the purchase was via you? Or was it discussed verbally. Horse bolted and all that.

Princess · Senior Member

yes potentially. but for future clients... and I will issue something to the existing ones just to clarify. i can't be the only one in this situation though, isn't anyone else doing wholesale billing on QuickBooks or Xero?

VinceH · Expert

Thinking about it, doesn't Mark do this with Xero? Where's he these days?

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Princess wrote:
yes potentially. but for future clients... and I will issue something to the existing ones just to clarify. i can't be the only one in this situation though, isn't anyone else doing wholesale billing on QuickBooks or Xero?

No you are definately not the only one.

Problem is that the few who answer questions on this website do not use online software such as QB or zeero smeero.

Those who do use such software and use the forum are the ones who only ever read and never participate OR those who come on just to post their own questions and never read the Q&As posted by others.

As Vince pointed out - Mark is one who does use it and will come on at some point and respond, but you may have to wait a while as he isnt on here daily and its mid chatoic month.

Only other issue then is somebody being happy to share wording that they may have paid a solicitor to draft up for them.

Oh and just thought of another - how would they share it with you.

I would suggest for newbie clients you include a section on this in your standard engagement letter - who drew this up for you, out of interest? Just wondering if they would have some 'standard' ish type of wording that will slot into your existing LoE that will not impact on other clauses/require a partial re-write?

For existing ones - sort of the same same process as when they take on a new service, but managing the changes- so a standalone LoE. Although ethically this will pose a dilema as you are effectively relying on them not really reading/understanding the change of contract that they will be signing, albeit the original agreement was verbal (but clearly a contract nonetheless)

Princess · Senior Member

I know. I'm guilty of not always being on here. I use the AAT letter of engagement at the moment but I'm looking at changing it as it's very wordy and no one reads it. I've been looking at letters from a few other accountants locally and have seen a few I like. I have only recently started using Qucikbooks Online and to a lesser extent Xero but surely they are going to get more "popular" or more frequently used anyway as MTD approaches. I think I will ask someone to draw something up for me. I wasn't expecting any freebies from anyone that's paid, more hoping that somewhere out there someone eg Xero had done a template. I have asked the account manager but they also didn't seem to have had anyone ask about it.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Princess wrote:
but surely they are going to get more "popular" or more frequently used anyway as MTD approaches.

A popular misconception, pushed by the cloudy software providers.

MTD doesnt mean cloudy, nor does digital.

Its all hype!

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Princess wrote:
I know. I'm guilty of not always being on here. I use the AAT letter of engagement at the moment but I'm looking at changing it as it's very wordy and no one reads it. I've been looking at letters from a few other accountants locally and have seen a few I like. I have only recently started using Qucikbooks Online and to a lesser extent Xero but surely they are going to get more "popular" or more frequently used anyway as MTD approaches. I think I will ask someone to draw something up for me. I wasn't expecting any freebies from anyone that's paid, more hoping that somewhere out there someone eg Xero had done a template. I have asked the account manager but they also didn't seem to have had anyone ask about it.

Just a word of caution about using wording from others is that sometimes they have cobbled it together from soemwhere else and then they do not give you the protection you need as there is no cross linking of the sections or even paragraphs under the basis of law and therefore will fall apart in the event of a court case (for that I mean ripped apart by counsel!)

Ive seen the ICAEW/ACCA letters and believe me the AAT one is extremely weak in comparison so I wouldnt aim to weaken it any further. I would ensure any cover letter states they need to read it thoroughly and get legal advice for anything they are unclear about and that its a legally binding contract. Its then up to them if they dont bother (numpties!)

Im surprised the AAT cannot help - have you tried phoning their helpline. If you continue to use their existing wording their legal eagles might be able to add something.

Its worth a wait and see on Mark. Certainly if he is happy to share he will need to be able to get hold of you. But a suggestion - change your Profile to allow PM's.