Adding apps
More help at hand
QuickBooks Online makes it easy to manage clients’ core accounting needs. However, they may
have industry-specific needs, or require functionality in addition to their QuickBooks Online.
How can you and QuickBooks Online help?
QuickBooks Online is more than an accounting application. It offers a range of apps to capture
data in a way that suits the client’s business. With apps, clients can enhance existing functions
and save time and money.
The benefits of apps
QuickBooks Online is an open platform, so developers can create apps that integrate with it.
This allows data to flow easily from the apps into QuickBooks Online—making it even more
useful.
For instance, clients can use an app to connect their webstore to QuickBooks Online so that
customer data from the webstore feeds into QuickBooks Online.
Intuit has a rigorous testing process for prospective apps to ensure they meet strict
requirements before they can be offered to QuickBooks Online users.
Selecting an app
Client or accountant users with Admin access can see all the apps available from the Apps
center from the left-hand navigation. However, even without a QuickBooks Online account,
anyone can browse the integrable apps via [Link].
Before we dive into how clients can add apps to their company account, let’s look at some
things that can help them choose the right app for their needs.
Select the questions to find out more.
How do I decide which app to select?
There’s plenty of information available to help clients find the best app for any given situation.
If accessing the Apps center from the left-hand navigation, clients will see the Find apps tab.
Here, clients can browse categories or use the most popular search keywords. By scrolling
down, they can see preselected app categories such as popular, highly rated, or free apps.
Once clients find and select an app, they can find out more about it before committing to it.
For example, the Overview section offers key information about the app and its benefits, and
the Reviews tab gives a ratings snapshot and reviews from people who’ve used the app.
By selecting the Similar tab, clients can find shortcuts to other apps that are similar, helping
them choose the one that best meets their needs.
Premium Apps are purpose-built apps that fully integrate with QuickBooks Online and make it
seamless for clients to manage their workflows in one place.
Clients who are signed up for QuickBooks Online Advanced can enjoy additional benefits from
using Premium Apps. These benefits include pricing discounts, enhanced functions, and deeper
integrations with QuickBooks Online.
Can I try out an app before purchasing it?
Yes, that may be possible. Most apps available in QuickBooks Online offer a free trial period
without the need to give credit card information. Clients can also request a demo of the app
from the developer or sign up for a webinar to learn about it.
However, because (in most cases) it’s not recommended to test an app with a live QuickBooks
Online company, it’s best practice to create a trial company for testing purposes.
What else do I need to consider when selecting an app?
Before subscribing to an app, you or your client should check its billing policies, including
whether the vendor charges monthly or annually.
You or your client may also want to read the privacy statement on the app’s website to find out
how it shares data with other parties and review the options available to get direct support
from the vendor in case of issues.
ProAdvisor tip
Many app developers offer partner programs, incentives, or special discounts for referring your
clients. These can be an additional revenue stream for your firm.
Adding and managing apps
Once clients have selected the right app, it’s easy to add it to the company account. However,
only users with Admin rights can access the Apps center from the left-hand navigation, and add
and manage apps.
Select the tabs to learn more about adding and managing apps.
To add an app, simply select it from the Apps center and then select Get app now.
The on-screen steps guide clients through the installation process.
Note: Installing an app can make changes to existing data that clients may not be able to undo.
You can help them review each step to avoid making irreversible changes.
Once the app is installed, it appears in the My Apps tab of the Apps center.
Adding apps for clients from QuickBooks Online Accountant
Firm users with Admin access to client company files can also add apps for clients by navigating
to the Apps center in QuickBooks Online Accountant, then selecting the Client apps tab. There,
all apps connected to client accounts appear.
Managing apps
All active apps appear in the My apps tab of the Apps center. Clients can launch apps from here
and can disconnect an app by selecting the down arrow next to it.
Note that in some cases, only the Admin user who connected the app may be able to
disconnect it. Follow this link for more information on how to disconnect an app and change
subscription.
Knowledge check
Who can add apps to client company accounts?
ANSWER: Only Admin users can add apps to a company account
That’s right.
Well done.