2009 MAS90 Q1 IRD for 941 – All Versions
March 30, 2009
Sage just released program fixes to allow Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 (works with Extended Enterprise) to print the new 941 forms for 2009.
Unlike prior years, these fixes are not in the form of an official IRD (aka Interim Release Disk). Instead the program fixes have been added to the service update releases for versions 4.1+.
You can also download individual fixes (helpful for those using third party add-ons or Extended Solutions that may not play well with the latest update).
What’s Changed ?
Quarterly 941 printing has been updated for the 2009 IRS changes to the 941 form.
The following fields have been added:
- COBRA Premium Assist. Payments
- Individuals Provided COBRA Assistance
The following fields have been removed:
- Prior Quarter Social Sec/Medicare
- Additions to Federal Tax
- Additions to Social Sec/Medicare
The 941 Form and Schedule B have been updated with 2009 IRS changes to the form. Changes are applicable to Report Formats:
- Entire form
- Pre-Printed Form
- Worksheet
Here are the most direct links for the latest 941 updates.
Option one – for those on MAS90 or MAS200 version 4.1+
Download the latest service update – this contains all the 941 form changes plus NJ payroll tax changes.
The new 941 layout (as well as tax law changes required for payroll users in New Jersey) may be downloaded as part of a complete service update package.
Version 4.30 Service Update 10 (read What’s New)
Version 4.20 Service Update 23 (read What’s New)
Version 4.10 Service Update 22 (read What’s New)
Note: Service Updates are only issued for versions 4.10 and higher of Sage MAS 90 and 200. Consult your Sage Business Partner prior to applying service updates. Be sure to have a backup. Always eat your vegetables. Your mileage may vary. Void if spindled, mutilated or tag is removed from mattress.
Option two – download the individual program fixes
If you’re unable to download a complete service update because you’re on a version where the update isn’t available or you have modifications that might not work with a service update you can download each fix individually.
Here are direct links to the individual program fixes – for versions 3.71 to 4.30
IMPORTANT: There are several manual steps which you must follow after downloading the following patches. Be sure to read the instructions closely.
MAS 90 & MAS 200 EES (Extended Enterprise) v1.0 to 1.2 - PR4030-T
MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.30 – PR4025-T
MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.20 – PR4029-T
MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.10 – PR4028-T
MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.05 – PR4027-T
MAS 90 & MAS 200 v4.00 – PR4026-T
MAS 90 & MAS 200 v3.71 – PR3059-T
2009 IRD (Interim Release Disk) for Sage MAS90 and MAS 200 Payroll due soon
March 27, 2009
Looks as if there will be an Interim Release disk coming for each of the supported versions of Sage MAS 90 and 200 (and SQL). This will be in addition to the Service Update that was released on March 26 and included fixes for the Payroll 941 form changes and New Jersey payroll tax changes.
Some users had noted that they were unable to load a full service update due to the existence of third party enhancements which may require customization prior to loading a full service update.
The Interim Release Disks (there will be separate ones for the 2009 941 tax form as well as the NJ tax law) will first be available for the newest versions of Sage MAS 90 and 200 with releases for older versions following.
When available these IRD (Interim Release Disks) will be posted in the Sage Online Support Services (SOSS ) area.
Anyone needing to file immediately (and who is on version 4.3) can use the new integrated electronic tax filing that is included with the latest version of Sage MAS 90 and 200.
2009 MAS90 and MAS200 IRD Download Links
Version 4.30 – Sage Extended Enterprise Edition – PR4030-TSage 2009 IRD 941
Bloggers wanted – no pay, lousy hours, invaluable experience
March 27, 2009
First, I’m hopeful my competition is too lazy to find this post. You may not believe me when you read this – but it’s my secret marketing weapon. And it can become yours too – with just a little effort.
This really is a job posting. It’s a non-paying job — but it’s a job.
The only blog that I write for every morning from 4:30 to 7:30am (and often during the day) is looking for some volunteer writers.
What the hell does this have to do with Sage or accounting software?
- How many of you have web sites?
- How many of you update them every day?
- How many of you publish email newsletters?
Uh-oh — I don’t see many hands up on the last two questions….
If you’re in marketing, sales or just technical support — trust me when I tell you that the ability to write and publish online is THE skill for the coming years.
You don’t even have to write WELL – you just have to DO IT.
A huge (almost 100%) of your competition doesn’t do this because they never get started…..well, they get started — with excuses….lame stuff like – I don’t know how or what to write.. .or. I can’t spell/type/compose a sentence.
I was a “C student” at best in English. It was the subject I hated with a passion. Still do. Now it’s my most useful marketing tool ever.
If you’re thinking about how to get started writing/blogging — the web site I write for has an excellent opportunity to get your feet wet and learn how it all happens.
YOU have to make the effort though.
You’ll learn how to write stories, use WordPress, edit yourself, come up with interesting topics (if you think writing “how to select accounting software” twice a month is an interesting topic to most customers – you’re dead wrong)
Sure, the economy sucks and clients suck and business sucks and employees suck.
Perfect time for you to learn a new skill
Interested? Read more at the following:
http://www.geardiary.com/2009/03/27/help-wanted-gear-diary-contributors/
Update for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 2009 941 and other tax changes now available
March 26, 2009
Kudos to Robert Wood, a Central Florida Sage MAS 90, MAS 200, Businessworks and Peachtree consultant, for spotting the release of Service Update 10 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 version 4.3.
This release changes the MAS90 and MAS200′s version of the IRS Form 941 to meet new federal guidelines mandated for 2009. Below are some of the instructions that you’ll need to follow in order to make this change.
We recommend only installing updates after conferring with your Sage Business Partner. They have the experience to tell you whether you’ll also need to upgrade any third party solutions (usually not) or if you’ll need to perform any secondary steps when installing the service update.
Please be sure to read the installation instructions on this update thoroughly. If you’re printing the 941 form so that you can file it then you’ll have some additional manual steps (outlined below) in order to complete the update.
If you have no need for the latest 941 or other payroll tax related enhancements and are not otherwise experiencing any issues with error conditions then I recommend not loading service updates (Exception – I will always load service updates during the initial upgrade).
941 Form and Schedule B 2009 Update:
Quarterly 941 Printing has been updated for the 2009 IRS changes to the 941 Form.
The following fields have been added:
COBRA Premium Assist. Payments
Individuals Provided COBRA Assist.
The following fields have been removed:
Prior Quarter Social Sec/Medicare
Additions to Federal Tax
Additions to Social Sec/Medicare
The 941 Form and Schedule B have been updated with 2009 IRS changes to the form.
Changes are applicable to Report Formats “Entire Form”, “Pre-printed Form” and “Worksheet”.
Entire Form:
Lines 12a and 12b have been added to the 941 Form
Lines 7e through 7h have been removed from the 941 Form
The year on the 941 Form has been changed to 2009
Changes to the text of the 941 Form and Schedule B
Pre-printed Form:
Amounts will print for lines 12a and 12b.
Amounts will no longer print for lines 7e through 7h
NOTE: The “Pre-printed Form” format has been designed based on the downloaded 941.pdf
from the IRS website. Since the IRS has not yet released the alignment requirements for the
“Pre-printed” format it is recommended either the “Entire Form” or “Worksheet” formats be used.
If you use the “Pre-printed Form” format the alignment may need to be adjusted or the form may
need to modified.
Instructions:
If you are on 4.30.0.xx (regardless of service update) and have done 941 processing in prior
years before installing 4.30 Service Update 10 you will need to process the following:
1. Using Windows Explorer, browse to the ..\MAS90\Reports directory and rename the following
files in the ..\###-###\ and ..\###-xxx\ folders (xxx = company code) if present:
• PR941A.rpt (example: pr941a.rpt.2008 report)
• PRSCHB.rpt (example: prschb.rpt 2008 report)
• PR941P.rpt (example: pr941p.rpt 2008 report)
• PRSCHP.rpt (example: prschp.rpt 2008 report)
2. Install Service Update 10.
3. Open Payroll / Period End / Quarterly 941 Printing. Click ‘OK to the message “The Crystal
RPT file for ###-xxx (xxx being company code) does not exist. The default form will be used.
Ok”.
Worksheet:
Lines 12a and 12b have been added to the Quarterly 941
Lines 7e through 7h have been removed from the Quarterly 941 Worksheet
Changes to the text of the Quarterly 941 Worksheet
Download Service Update for supported versions of MAS 90 or MAS 200
Win $100 from Sage – simply by enrolling in the Sage Community
March 26, 2009
I just received this email from Sage.
Looks like there’s a good old fashioned giveaway going on where resellers can win $100 by getting their customers to sign up for the Sage Community online discussion forums.
Instead of trying to win some silly contest for myself – I thought it would be a good idea to win and GIVE THE PRIZE AWAY
We’ve written about the Sage Community many times. It’s one of the greatest support resources that Sage offers and you should take advantage of it.
If you haven’t already created an account, head over there now (click this link) then come back and tell us what your community member name is in the form below. If we win the contest, we’ll give away the $100 BEST BUY GIFT CARD to one lucky registrant — BUT — you have to tell us who you are or we have no way to get back in touch with you.
Don’t think for a second that we’re going to send worthless emails asking you to purchase something or trying to upsell you to become our client, etc. While any of those would be great and wonderful – I can guarantee you that you’ll only hear from me if you win the contest.
Here’s what you need to do to enter:
1. Go to the Sage Community and register as a member (completely free) – here
2. Then come back and scroll down to the bottom of this page and give us your information so that we can submit you for the contest
Here’s the email form Sage – so you know I’m not blowing smoke…
The Sage MAS Online Community Contest—win $100 to Best Buy!
The Sage MAS Online Community launched at Summit 2008 and today has over 1,300 members! The site has had over 2 million page views in it’s short five-month life and over 15,000 searches! The site’s population consists mainly of partners, customers and prospects, and is intended to foster networking and problem solving among those most familiar with our products—you! Some hot topics in March have been SQL Server 2005 SP2 Hotfix Compatibility and AR Cash Receipts/Deposits w/ BOI. Remember, great customer service starts with understanding the customer, what better place to hear their voices than on the open community where opinions are encouraged and discussions flourish!
For the month of April we invite you to see how many of your customers you can get to register on the community! To participate, simply invite your Sage MAS customers to register on the community; collect each customer’s login name and company name on a spreadsheet; submit your customer list to xxx@sage.com by June 1, 2009. The winner will be announced on June 12, 2009 and will receive $100 in Best Buy Gift Cards!
A few emails today, a hundred dollars next month; get inviting!
This contest is open to current active Sage MAS business partners who are registered users of the Sage MAS Product Community (http://community.sagemas.com/sagemas/) and are authorized to sell Sage MAS 90 and 200 or Sage MAS 500. The contest begins at 12:00am on March 31, 2009 and ends at 11:59pm on June 1, 2009. The business partner who refers the highest number of Sage MAS customers, who are on active and current maintenance plans, to register new accounts to use the Sage MAS Product Community will receive a $100 Best Buy® gift card. Eligible customer registrations need to be new to the community between March 31 to June 1, 2009—multiple contacts per customer are acceptable, provided they are by verifiable employees. To enter, the business partner must submit a list with the referred customer name and registered log-in name for the Product Community to sagemascommunity@sage.com by 12:00am on June 2, 2009. In the event of a tie, the winner will be determined by which partner their customers have the most posts on the community. The winner will be announced on June 12, 2009.
xxx yyy
Marketing Specialist
Sage
Business Management Division
80 Technology Drive
Irvine, CA 92618
Direct: xxx.yyy.zzzz
http://community.SageMAS.com
Enter Here With Your Sage Community Name
FRX MAIL SERVER: Email does not appear to be installed on your system – please install email and then try the operation again [solved]
March 26, 2009
Just had a client call with this error message:
FRX MAIL SERVER: Email does not appear to be installed on your system – please install email and then try the operation again
The message was occuring when they tried to email reports from their FRX Report Manager module. According to the Sage and Microsoft knowledgebase the cure is to find and install OLEMSG32.DLL to the \windows\system32 folder.
Both knowledgebases advised finding the file (OLEMSG32.DLL) on a spare workstation. The only issue we had was none of the workstations had that exact DLL file.
We were able to find the DLL by searching Google. The only issue was the DLL was listed on sites that we weren’t sure hosted the original. Not wanting to get a virus, we decided to look for a more authoritative download.
It appears Microsoft (beginning with Exchange 2007) has begun delivering the MAPI client libraries and CDO 1.2.1 as a web only downoad.
If you’re wondering where to find it — look here:
Microsoft Exchange Server MAPI Client and Collaboration Data Objects 1.2.1
reQall Pro for BlackBerry – interesting to-do list manager with voice to text
March 26, 2009
There’s an interesting new program for BlackBerry users that has just been significantly upgrade. The program is reQall and it is a combination web service and mobile application. There’s a program available to run on BlackBerry devices that are running OS version 4.2 and higher.
reQall offers voice to text transcription of your ToDo items, Notes and Appointments
By speaking your task into the BlackBerry, you can avoid having to take your eyes off the road or typing a lengthy message on the keyboard. Your voice is recorded, transferred to reQall’s servers and transcribed.
The process takes about 5 minutes. You can set your BlackBerry to synchronize with reQall’s main server as frequently as every 15 minutes or as infrequently as once per day.
Accuracy Surprisingly Good – Features Not Working As Promised
There are two interesting features that are promised in this latest version of reQall Pro ($25/year). I tested both of them and was not able to get either to work.
First, the software is supposed to integrate to Google Calendars (which I use). After adding several to-do items and appointments with dates that were described accurately I sat back and waited (and waited) to see the item appear in my calendar.
The second new feature that is supposed to be added to reQall Pro is GPS awareness. If you set a reminder to only display while at work — the software is supposed to detect your location (via GPS reading) and automatically pop up a reminder that a task is due at the place you presently are located.
Problem that I had is the GPS feature did not work in my testing.
After creating a To-Do item called “Give lauren her backpack at bus stop” and tagging it properly to the location “Bus Stop” — I was reminded of absolutely nothing when I ventured back to the location where I had specified (via GPS setup) that the bus stop was located.
reQall is a handy software program for making notes on the go. The company needs to get their promised features working before I’d recommend that anyone lay out $25 per year for their Pro version (which adds the integration to Google calendar and GPS aware features).
HighTower waives any MAS90 enhancement back maintenance penalties through 4/30/09 – other cool promos
March 24, 2009
From now until 3pm CDT on 4/30/09 users who’ve allowed their Hightower software maintenance to lapse can renew with zero back maintenance and zero penalties.
This is a pretty good deal (actually very good) for any company who has let their maintenance go and now finds themself needing to be back on the plan so they can receive the latest software upgrades.
Under the terms of the spring specials – users can get back on HighTower software maintenance with no late or lapsed years fees, new HighTower users can buy one enhancement and get one free and existing HighTower end users can purchase any additional enhancement at 50% off.
Hightower Enhancements At A Glance:
HightTower Direct Deposit : Handles all direct depositing needs, following the National Automated Clearinghouse Association (NACHA) standards for Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 Payroll checks.
HighTower Professional Retainer Control : Users of this enhancement can offer clients discounts on services by pre-purchasing blocks of time at lower rates!
HighTower Point of Sale Professional : Allows stores to complete standard retail transactions while incorporating the data into their Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 accounting, distribution, and manufacturing system.
HightTower Gift Card Expansion Pack : Seamlessly integrate Gift Card transactions with all the Sage MAS 90 and 200 modules through Point of Sale Professional (Requires Point of Sale Professional v4.2 or above).
HighTower Time and Billing : Track employees’ activities on all billable projects and produce detailed billing invoices for your clients. Time/expense entry and invoicing features for law firms, CPAs, consultants, or any business that bills clients based on time.
HightTower Time and Billing Professional : Track employee time for accurate invoicing and enhanced service to your clients, while increasing overall efficiency. Unlike the standard Time and Billing module, Time and Billing Professional integrates the Sage MAS 90 ERP or MAS 200 ERP Accounts Receivable module.
HighTower Timekeeper for MAS90 : Enter time and expenses via Sage MAS 90 or Sage MAS 200, the Timekeeper Remote application, through your PDA device (Palm OS or Pocket PC), and/or via the Internet – the choice is yours with the Timekeeper module.
HighTower Multi-Bin Advanced Distribution For MAS90 and MAS200 : Use MULTIPLE bin locations per item and warehouse with the Multi-Bin Advanced Distribution enhancement. Track an unlimited number of bin locations for each warehouse and inventory item.
HighTower ScanBlaster : Effective and inexpensive bar code scanning solution for use with the Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 Bar Code module. ScanBlaster runs on most Symbol-branded or Symbol-compatible Palm OS devices with a bar code reader attached.
HightTower MICR Encoded Laser Checks : Print laser-quality MICR encoded checks at high speed with low cost, optimizing the Accounts Payable and Payroll process.
HightTower MAStransit : Export your MAS 90 4.x and MAS 200 4.x data to Microsoft’s SQL Server products for additional reporting options and efficiencies.
HighTower RemoteXerver : Utilizing the XMLRPC technology, the RemoteXerver enables cross platform data sharing to and from your Sage MAS 90 and Sage MAS 200 system.
Don’t believe the hype – Twitter and CRM is not your cure all for poor customer service
March 24, 2009
Just recently Salesforce.com announced that the popular Twitter service would be integrated to their CRM software. On the surface this allows their customer service department to monitor the constant stream of
Twitter messages (known informally as tweets) for mentions of displeasure with the company’s product(s).
There are several things wrong with using Twitter as a primary approach to improving customer service.
Mistake #1: Using Twitter to catch disgruntled customers encourages the cell phone model of only giving the best deals to those who gripe loudest
There’s a whole subset of consumers who are onto the model employed by the cell phone companies. The drill goes like this – at the end of a cellular contract some customers have wised up to the fact that there’s a customer retentions department that can offer all manner of promotions to entice a customer to stay.
The problem with the “retentions” approach is that it places all the customer service focus on the back end business of saving a customer relationship – and not on the front end of nurturing and growing that relationship.
If you’ve noticed, there’s an ever increasing stream of complaints from current cell phone customers that only new customers or those threatening to leave are offered the best deals.
That’s one hell of a way to promote high customer satisfaction – make customers threaten to quit before you reward them!
Mistake #2 – Fishing for Twitter complaints is time that could be better served improving the service in the first place
Spending time improving customer service so that there aren’t people complaining in the first place is a better use of your time.
Why only react when the problems reach “I’m going to tell everyone” proportion? Instead – focus on improving the customer experience from start to finish.
Here’s an idea (and one that I’ve used for the last 10 years).
Instead of laying back – waiting for customers to come to you with complaints – how about a proactive marketing approach that reaches out via emails, web seminars, and newsletters (I use constantcontact.com which charges only $25 per month for me to email over 2,000 customers).
Pushing out news and tips that helps customers work with your product fosters goodwill during the relationship – and I think is a much better (and more profitable) business model than trying to salvage a relationship by waiting for disgruntled tweets to appear.
Mistake #3 – Monitoring and reacting to Twitter complaints — only encourages more Twitter complaints
Some (but certainly not all) Twitter complainers, like children who learn that if they beg long (and loud) enough for a new toy they’ll get it, will eventually become an overwhelming resource hog.
Instead of fielding true complaints – your company could be lulled into being “gamed” by those Twitter users who figure out that if they complain long enough they’ll get your company’s equivalent of a free toy.
Observation
Twitter has a place in your customer service arsenal. In my experience it is no better tool than reading and responding to old fashioned complaint letters.
Twitter is also a noisy place — and it’s only going to get noisier and noisier.
My recommendation?
Focus your primary customer service efforts on building bonds with your customers BEFORE they become disgruntled enough that they’re logging onto Twitter (or a personal blog or message board) and blast your company’s good name.
If you’re doing customer service the right way – you should not be providing customers with a reason to get onto a soap box in the first place.
Peek releases new Pronto email device at $79
March 24, 2009
The Peek folks didn’t waste any time rolling out the update to their low cost wireless email devices. Word of the new Peek Pronto first appeared online about a week ago.
Today we have the Peek Pronto. Available at $79 in any color that you like — so long as it’s gray.
Before you get too excited about this low cost BlackBerry alternative – consider that it carries a $19 per month email recurring service fee. For that fee you receive – 5 email accounts, push email, unlimited text messaging.
Given that in the USA Peek is running these devices on the T-Mobile data network, it is worth pointing out that BlackBerry devices (specifically the BlackBerry 8900) are currently available for $49 (with new contract and 2 year commitment). The monthly fee for BlackBerry Internet Service is only $25 (and can be shaved back to $19 with some begging off of the bundled 400 text messages).
The Peek device is not capable of web browsing, has no camera, and cannot play music or movies. The absence of these features may become more important to you the longer that you use the device. I know that my BlackBerry 8900 has become my substitue camera (it includes a 3.2 mp lens that takes decent pictures) as well as mp3 and video player.
On the plus side for Peek is the fact that you won’t have to enter into any contract. You can also pick up their email device for $79 directly from Target – where their older device is still available for $49.
My recommendation is that if you’re looking at using a device for wireless email you should invest in a BlackBerry.
If your primary use of a device would be music or video – buy an iPhone. It’s truly become (almost) a two device mobile race. At least it will be that way until the Palm Pre arrives in the first half of 2009.
via: Engadget
Modify MAS90 and MAS200 menus with this cool hidden utility
March 23, 2009
Changing a MAS 90 or MAS 200 menu used to be – well – impossible.
At least that’s what I thought until half an hour ago when super consultant Dawn Anastasi of CG Consulting threw this little tip out.
To change your menus (hide, re-order, rename) in Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 version 4.x use the hidden SY_MENU_UI utility.
This works for any menu – including those pesky Custom Report menus that have a nasty tendency of dropping your reports in a random order.
Changing (move, rename, delete) Menu Selections in MAS90 or MAS200
The steps to change your MAS 90 or MAS 200 menu are so simple — once you know Dawn’s secret.
It relies upon being able to access the File – Run menu from within MAS (if you’re not able to do this you probably need to verify security rights and make sure you have access to this menu choice).
First start up MAS 90 or MAS 200. Select the File menu and then the Run option.
From the dialog box that appears, type in SY_MENU_UI and click OK.
You’ll be presented with the following dialog box.
From this dialog box you can drag a menu choice from one location to another:
Once you’ve found the spot where you want to the new item to reside – simply drop.
Rename MAS 90 Menu Items
If you double click on a menu selection you’ll have the ability to rename the item as illustrated below.
Reminders:
This tip works on version 4.x
You must have security rights to the File – Run menu in order to have be allowed acess to the utility (this is setup in Library Master – Main – Role Maintenance).
via: C&G Consulting -Waukesha, WI and 90Minds Consulting Group
MAS90 Version 3.71 Discontinued June 30, 2010
March 19, 2009
UPDATE 9-2-2009:
Although the Sage official supported platform matrix dated 2-11-09 continues to say that MAS 90 and MAS 200 v3.71 is headed for the retirement on June 30, 2009 we have uncovered another Sage document that seems to say that those on a MAS90 Value Support plan will be able to obtain support through 9/30/2010. If you are making a decision on whether to upgrade/migrate from a 3.71 installation please consult with a competent Sage Business Partner for the latest information prior to making any final determination.
MAS90 and MAS200 version 3.71 appear headed toward “end of life” as of June 30, 2010. (see note at top of this post for updated information)
Whether Sage meant to disclose this tidbit quite yet (or not) - the latest Supported Platform Matrix dated February 11, 2009 contains this tidbit of information.
Of course the older Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 versions were no longer actively sold but Sage had been offering a value plan which for $1,000 per year gave users of the 3.71 version the capability of buying additional users and modules under what was termed their Value Plan.
Update: Link to MAS 90 and MAS 200 Value Plan offer as of September 2009
Recently Sage have been making noise about an upcoming retirement schedule for their product line.
As of now, the following versions of Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 are still supported:
- 3.71
- 3.71-3.74 (MAS 200 SQL)
- 4.00
- 4.05
- 4.10
- 4.20
- 4.30
Although each of these levels is officially supported – Sage offers varying levels of response and support for them. For example version 4.2 and earlier no longer receive service update bundles. Versions 4.05 and earlier no longer have fixes listed in Sage’s knowledgebase. (For a complete list of the support differences see our earlier story here)
Best email collection letter ever
March 18, 2009
Perhaps from time to time you find yourself needing to send customers more than a gentle reminder of an overdue debt.
We’re pretty lucky that most of our clients are considerate of when their invoices are due and pay promptly.
However there is the occassional problem where we have to call. And call. And call. And then email.
No matter what we do there’s no getting paid.
Here’s one solution that you can try. I like to refer to it as the Best Email Collection letter ever.
I spotted it on the Internet here and the text of it reads as follows.
Hi [..],
A quick note to say that I am really disappointed that you have still not paid me the [..] that I’m owed for the work I did for you. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not a lot of money, but actually I think that this is more a matter of respect.
I have always been there at the drop of a hat to sort out any problems you might have. I love working with you and have always taken our relationship as more than just client/supplier. But if I can’t rely on you paying promptly or it takes several attempts and reminders to get my money, that’s not good business.
I’m not saying that I don’t want to work with you, I do. But if I don’t receive what I am owed within the next couple of days, I will have to think twice about helping you in the future.
Kind regards
That’s it.
While many people have told us the wording is harsh – and they’d never themselves use the letter – you’ll be surprised how well it works.
Try it and let me know how you do.
Source: A Beautiful Web Andy Clarke – author of Transcending CSS
MAS90 and MAS200 supported versions list
March 18, 2009
Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 version 3.71 and higher are presently supported by Sage. This means that in most instances you can obtain the current release levels, service updates (if any) as well as tax table updates.
There are some restrictions on what older versions of MAS 90 and MAS 200 are entitled to.
For example, versions 4.20 and earlier no longer receive service updates. Instead if you find an error you’ll have to beg and plead ask for an individual program fix. Also, version 4.05 and lower no longer have the knowledgebase kept up to date – so if you’re looking for a problem report on a version 4.0 issue you’ll probably not have much luck.
Curious what the restrictions are on the supported levels of Sage MAS 90, MAS 200 (and MAS 500 is even thrown in for good luck)?
Here’s the PDF showing all versions starting with 4.30 and their appropriate level of support.
Supported Versions Policy MAS90 MAS200 MAS500
Paperless Office Reports for MAS 90 and MAS 200 Payroll Not Saving
March 16, 2009
If you’re using Paperless Office with Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 Payroll module, you may want to take a read at what Sage MAS 90 Consultant Beth Bowers and Mike Fitzgerald have already uncovered.
Looks as if not all of the daily processing reports in Payroll are being saved when you are using Paperless Office.
While the payroll Register saves, there have been reports that the Payroll Data Entry Audit Report and Pre-Check Register are being over-written each time a new payroll is generated.
This issue has been reported to Sage and they are working on a fix. In the interim if you are using Paperless Office with Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 payroll you should make sure you have paper copies of all registers.
90Minds via Beth Bowers and Mike Fitzgerald – The Fitzgerald Group
5 Reasons I Hope My Competition Skips GEN38 (Social Media) at Insights 2009
March 11, 2009
On Wednesday May 13, 2009 from1:30 to 3:00 I’m scheduled to drop by the session at Sage’s Insights on Social Media.
I am not presenting but Sage thought it would be nice to have a partner there to talk with other partners about their successes with Social Media.
What’s Social Media?
To my competition …. I say it’s all a huge enormous waste of time.
I warn them repeatedly not to waste their precious time with LinkedIn or Facebook.
Instead, keep writing fat checks for direct marketing or telemarketing. Activities that bring in under a 1% response.
Ignore the fact that while costs of direct marketing skyrocket every year – the effectiveness shrinks twice as fast.
To my competition I’d like them to realize :
Paying Google $300 per month for Adwords is a better bet than Social Media. I know the amount because 5 years ago I ran a Google campaign for 3 months. It cost me over $300 per month.
I didn’t sell a single deal. Gathered not a single lead. But everyone else is doing it – so I recommend to my competitors that they keep doing it too – and maybe bid up their per keyword amounts as well.
Special shout out to the competitor who bought the Google Adword “Schulz Consulting”. You pay every time someone clicks it. My family and friends chuckle every day. Weekends too.
SEO is a better investment than Social Media. Keep writing blank checks for search engine optimization.
PS – Did you know you can send out your own link filled press releases (for free)? Yes, they show up in Google News.
I hope that you’re not writing a fat check just to get that SEO snake oil salesman to write a press release that you could do yourself? Keep at this. Everyone’s doing it so it must work. At the very least you should get the same results – basically nothing.
Going to see cold call appointments is a better investment than Social Media. If you are one of 5 SALESpeople waiting in the lobby to see a cold prospect – you have a 1 in 5 shot.
Except for when one of those people is the preferred supplier (good luck figuring out which one).
Don’t you love the attitude from cold call prospects? The “you called me – so show me what you have with lots of free demonstrations, analysis and research”.
Pretty much every VAR must love this treatment because they keep doing it — year after year after year — even as the results get poorer and poorer and poorer.
Those prospects who don’t answer the phone are “just busy”. Repeatedly calling them is a better idea than Social Media.
Keep calling because sooner or later the law of big numbers will produce a prospect that picks up the phone. And anyway, those outbound calls look good on a sales activity report too.
Keep doing what you’ve always done because the market will come back and Social Media is a big fad. Don’t change your selling tactics – just double your effort (and probably quadruple your selling cost). Sooner or later the market will “turn around” and you’ll be ready! This is what all the VARS are doing.
Remember! Safety in big numbers. Plus – it’s fun commiserating with every other VAR. What fun would it be if you were the exception who is making money and gaining new clients?
Is This Thinking Flawed?
If you think this thinking is wrong – you’re not the only one.
I’ll let you in on a little secret.
I haven’t done any of the above in over 10 years.
In the last 10 years my biggest competitor in the state sold his practice. A dear friend in NY who told me how crazy I was to practice Social Media sold her practice.
Neither of these competitors “got” Social Media.
Chances are that you don’t either.
Are you willing to learn? A little curious?
I get all my business from what I consider Social Media. Every last dime.
Drop by session GEN 38 Beyond the Hype: Social Network Marketing for B2B Wednesday May 13 from 1:30 to 3:00pm (unless you’re a competitor – then please please keep doing what you’re doing).
I’ll share my definition of Social Media. How I do it. How much I make from it. Why your nuts not to do it.
To my competition – keep doing what your doing. Stay home from Insights because it’s a waste of time.
To the rest – see you at GEN38.
Follow Sage Insights 2009 on Twitter
March 11, 2009
Sage North America has created an official Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/insights09) for their upcoming Insights 2009 reseller conference held May 11-14, 2009 in Nashville TN.
Twitter is a short messaging (maximum of 140 characters) service that allows users to casually communicate with each other – usually in the form of brief updates that tell what the user is doing.
The short message feature is ideal for conferences where it’s often difficult to find people or learn about newly added sessions other users recommend attending.
Search Twitter for Insights 2009 Conference News
If you’re not on Twitter (which is free) – you can still read the messages coming from the conference. There are two methods for doing this – and neither require that you create an account.
The best way to follow the conference is by using this #insights09 Twitter Search link.
The second way you can follow conference news is by viewing the official Sage Insights Twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/insights09
Wayne Schulz on Twitter
Schulz Consulting owner Wayne Schulz is on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mas90guru
via: 90 Minds
Twitter hash tag for Insights 2009 is #insights09
March 9, 2009
If you’re attending the Sage Insights 2009 conference in Nashville TN – or just are interested in what is going on during the conference – be sure to check out Twitter.
Hall Web Services has proposed the official “hash tag” of Sage Insights 2009 be #insights09.
A hash tag is nothing more than a short keyword which is preceeded by the # symbol so as to become unique. During large conferences a number of users agree upon a common tag which enables those attending to easily search Twitter messages and see what is happening at the conference.
Those users “Twittering” during the conference are encouraged to use this tag in all of their messages for easier following by those looking to keep up on the conference.
If you’re not a user of Twitter – you still can follow the messages. Simply log into http://search.twitter.com and perform a search for #insights09.
For an explanation of what Twitter is – see this excellent video.
To join Twitter (completely free) – visit http://www.twitter.com and you can view Wayne Schulz’s Twitter stream by following @mas90guru in Twitter.
Search Twitter for all messages related to Sage’s Insights 2009
Pre-Written Crystal Reports for MAS 90 and MAS 200
March 5, 2009
Getting started with a Crystal Report for MAS 90 or MAS 200 is the hardest part of the design process.
Once you know the tables to link (and the formulas to create) – the rest of the report design process is a piece of cake.
Did you ever wish there was a “starter kit” of Crystal Reports you could use as a basis for your own MAS90 reports? If there was just a report that kind of looked like what you wanted — and then you tweaked it (as opposed to writing it from scratch).
Well here’s your opportunity!
I have over 60 Crystal Reports that are available. These are written for version 3.71 but they can be upgraded (you’d have to do this yourself – we aren’t bundling labor in this deal) or used as a guide to show how to create a similar report in 4.x.
The last time we sold these we offered them as a bundle for $995 back in 2006.
I’ve since had several clients inquire about the availability of such a bundle of reports and for a limited time (though April 30, 2009) I’m going to make them available under the following pricing:
Client of Schulz Consulting and Member of Unlimited Support – $ 250
Client of Schulz Consulting – $ 500
Due to license restrictions we are not able to distribute these to other resellers or to users of MAS90 who are not clients (listed as reseller of record) of Schulz Consulting.
At this price we cannot invoice for the reports. We require credit card payment in advance and then we will provide you with a copy of every report in the package.
If this is of interest – email me directly – wayne@s-consult.com. Remember, Schulz Consulting must be your reseller of record and I’m only offering this through April 30, 2008.
Crystal Catalog of MAS90 Reports
MAS90 Service Update for 4.30 Released (SU 9)
March 5, 2009
Sage Software have released their service update 9 for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200. These service updates are cumulative and contain all prior fixes. To update your Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 please first make a backup, verify that you have no third party enhancements which may require and update and then download the fix from our link below.
As a general rule of thumb we recommend that if you are NOT experiencing any issues with your Sage MAS 90 or MAS 200 that you not install the update UNLESS advised to do so by a competent Sage consultant. Generally we always update to the latest service update prior to calling Sage for any technical support issues because their advise will almost always be to update to the latest release.
We recommend you always work with a competent Sage Business Partner to assist in updating your software. Please always back up your data prior to any major updates.
Link: Download Sage MAS 90 Service Update 9
Sage MAS90 4.3 Service Update 9
Sage Insights Partner Conference Registration Goes Live Today
March 5, 2009
Prepare to register for Insights 2009 today as the official list of educational sessions is slated to go live at noon today. Insights is the annual Sage partner conference which is occurring May 11-14, 2009 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, TN.
You can register online at Sage Insights 2009 Registration and then tell us whether you are attending at the Sage Insights Facebook Event Page.
Netsuite vs Sage: Big discounts are the “greatest hits” albums of the ERP industry
March 5, 2009
For a reduced fee the online accounting vendor Netsuite is hoping to lure Sage users to their system (Observation: My hunch is if you said that you were a user of Great Plains, SAP, QuickBooks Enterprise or pencil and paper that you’d get the same deal).
This price chopping reflects perhaps on the lack of innovation confidence in the product.
Just as rock bands release “greatest hits” albums when they’ve got nothing new to offer – software companies roll out “50% off” bargains when they have nothing more attractive (new features) to offer.
Here’s some observations for those deciding whether to bite on a discount offer
They are a lot easier to get into – than out of
With one particular price chopping offer, there is a bundle of 100 hours to convert data. If it take 100 hours to get your data into a new system – just think of how much fun it will be to get it out should you decide to leave.
All support is not created equally
Have you ever gotten frustrated dealing with an overseas call center? If you’ve never had to deal with language (dialect/accent) issues – then get ready because in exchange for a relatively tiny up-front discount consider that you may have just signed up for a long distance support relationship.
If you don’t believe me on this one – just think about the accounting software you’re using now and why you are reviewing discounted software offers online. If you’re like most people your biggest mistake wasn’t the software — rather it was the PEOPLE who SOLD it to you. Select the wrong people to deal with and you’re doomed to failure.
The wrong people? These are easy to recognize because they’re quick to quote you a price on a new product sale. Yet they take forever to solve a problem.
A low initial purchase price is a sucker bet that only fools fall for
I see this all the time. Companies buy software based on some great discount that’s offered TODAY — not taking into account that the product may not work as well as the salesperson demoed it, the recurring annual maintenance (over which they have zero control) may not be as cheap in year two as in discounted year one.
Guess what happens when you stop paying maintenance on a hosted solution? The lights go out – just like when you stop paying your electric bill.
I’ve saved what I think is the most compelling argument against a drastic move to a discounted online offer for last.
Guess what happens if you decide you don’t want to pay any more software maintenance to a vendor who is hosting all of your data online?
Does your login to the hosted site continue to work?
Think about it – when you have a solution securely loaded on your network – you can generally continue to legally use that software even if you decide to stop paying maintenance (I’m not recommending this mind you – just pointing out a loophole that many users freely exploit).
Switch to Netsuite and try it for a year or two. Then stop paying maintenance. There won’t be any free 100 hour assistance to get your data out — and let me know if that login to YOUR DATA still continues to work.
Payroll Tax Tables for MAS 90 updated (2/27/09)
March 4, 2009
Sage Software have just posted the 2/27/09 electronic version of their MAS90 and MAS200 payroll tax tables. This updated tax table reflects the new federal withholding rates mandated by the latest economic stimulus.
The tax table update will work for versions 3.71 and higher of MAS90 and MAS200 (the same tables work with both). Rate changes for states are also included in this update.
For a complete list of the changes, see the list below. If you are active on a basic Sage maintenance plan you may log in and download the new tables from here.
Tip: The tables will not be mailed to you – they must be downloaded.
Sage 2009 Tax Table Changes 02/27/09
Kindle for iPhone released
March 4, 2009
The Amazon Kindle – for iPhone – has just appeared in the Apple iTunes App Store. This eBook reader is meant to be either an introduction to the Kindle (for those without one) or a compliment to it for those who already own the Kindle.
When the Kindle 2 was released, Amazon gave notice that they intended to expand the number of platforms supported by the Kindle (think mobile phone). What wasn’t known at the time was exactly how fast this expansion would happen.
Looks like it all happened sooner rather than later. This morning without much fanfare or prior announcement the Kindle for iPhone suddenly appeared in the iTunes store.
Integration to your Kindle Library
All the books you’ve previously purchased on your Kindle can be accessed on your iPhone – for no additional charge. The only limitation appears to be subscription items such as newspapers, magazines and blogs. So far as I’ve been able to test these items are not synchronized down to your iPhone.
The cost for the Kindle for iPhone is free – and all you need is an Amazon account. You won’t be able to buy books from within the application – however those books you buy via Amazon will readily (and easily) synchronize to your iPhone.
Is the reading experience on the iPhone as good as the Kindle? Nope.
But in a pinch you’ll be glad to sacrifice the bigger screen of the Kindle for a little reading material to keep you occupied while you await a flight in the airport.
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