Customer software/support- online accounting software stores should provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision, and should give you access to their customer software resources should you have additional questions. Customer service comes in a variety of forms; it might be an extensive FAQ section with a searchable knowledge base, a support form that you fill out and submit, an email address or toll-free number, a live chat session, or other tools, such as the ability to track your software online.

Warranty/returns- because you cannot simply 'return' accounting software to the store, you'll want to find out if there are any refunds available if for some reason the accounting software will not work for you. Many accounting software comes with trial versions, where you can test drive the software for a certain period of time before you have to purchase the full version.

How to find the best accounting software for you
Like any purchase, buying accounting software online requires you to balance a mix of variables. In addition to the above considerations, here are some questions to ask before buying any accounting software online:

Compatibility- what are the minimum system requirements and operating systems?
Cost- how much does the software cost initially and on a monthly basis (if applicable)?
Upgrades- are upgrades included in the pricing or paid for separately?
Licensing- how many computers can the software be installed on?
Implementation- what is the implementation/installation process?
Support- what type of technical support is provided and/or available to assist beyond the implementation of the accounting software?
Bundled or unbundled- is the accounting software standalone or bundled with other software? Are there additional modules that can be included (or customized) with the accounting software?
Guarantees- are there any satisfaction guarantees? What are the terms of the guarantee?
What is the total cost of the accounting software (price plus shipping plus any other costs)?
Does the site have a low price or satisfaction guarantee?
How long before I receive the accounting software? Is it possible to expedite shipping?
Has the web site or specific accounting software earned the endorsement of any legitimate 3rd-party entity?

To go a step further in finding the right accounting software for you, it might pay to ask your friends, family and colleagues if they have had any experience- either good or bad- with specific accounting software or accounting software site.

In conclusion, we hope you have found the information we have put together for you useful. We recognize that this guide was in no way exhaustive, and that there is much more to accounting software than what is included here. We suggest that you use the information in this guide as a starting point in your search for the right accounting software for you.