Updated 3/22/11 — It appears that some Intuit servers are down which is affecting QuickBooks Online and other online services. Hopefully service will be restored soon, but here are some alternatives in the meantime:
- Email
- Use Outlook — in QuickBooks, go to Edit>Preferences>Send Forms>My Preferences to change it to use Outlook.
- Use another email service — in the Invoice (or Estimate or form), go to File>Save as PDF or you can download CutePDF Free (www.cutepdf.com) and print to PDF. Then, use another email service (like gmail) to send an email and attach the PDF to it.
- Payroll
- Use a free Paycheck calculator http://www.paycheckmanager.com/free_payroll_calculator.aspx or the Circular E (www.irs.gov) to calculate paychecks manually. You may need to issue manual checks instead of direct deposit. Then, you can enter it in QuickBooks later. If you use Assisted Payroll, call them to see how they want you to handle it.
- Credit Cards
- Write down down the customer information and process the payment later. Be sure to maintain the sensitive credit card info securely until it can be destroyed later.
- Call to get ‘Voice Authorization’
- Visa / MasterCard / Disc ACQ / Amex OnePoint 800-228-1122
- AMEX 800-528-2121
- Discover 800-347-1111
Once service is restored, please use QuickBooks or Online Terminal to capture the authorization. Important Note — you will need the authorization code from the voice authorization as well as your customer’s credit card number and expiration date to complete the transaction. For further information, contact support at (800) 558-9558.
- QuickBooks Online — You may need to write down orders/invoices or manually write checks and enter the details later.
Keep in mind that any of us could be without power due to a severe thunderstorm, flood, tornado, fire, earthquake, hurricane, snow storm or a number of other problems. As business owners and professionals, we have to deal with the situation calmly and professionally. Usually your customers, vendors and employees wiill understand the situation. As small business owners, we need to have a backup plan of how to continue operating when an emergency strikes–whether it is a natural disaster or a failure in technology. You may want to make sure you have ‘business interruption insurance’ that would cover losses in certain circumstances. Maintain your composure, keep your calm and find alternatives to help minimize the disruption.