Choosing the Best QuickBooks Revenue Model: A Modern Guide for Accountants

If you’re an accountant, you know that helping clients get set up with QuickBooks Online can feel like choosing your own adventure. Pick the wrong path, and you might end up in a maze of admin, missed revenue, or clients calling Intuit support at 2 a.m. (or worse yet, you, yikes). Pick the right path, and you’re the hero, with happy clients and a healthier bottom line.

Module 4 of our Passive-Aggressive Income course is your trusty map. We’re breaking down the pros, cons, and quirks of every major QuickBooks subscription model. Let’s make sure you’re not wandering the woods with the chickens. (Don't worry it's a "Dan"-alogy, access the course for the full scoop.....errrr....full coop?!?)

What is a QSP (QuickBooks Solution Provider)?

A QuickBooks Solution Provider (QSP) is an independent professional or firm authorized by Intuit to resell QuickBooks products and services, often at wholesale pricing, while offering clients additional value through consulting, implementation, and support. QSPs can provide access to a broader suite of Intuit and third-party solutions, and often have the flexibility to set their own pricing, bundle services, and earn higher margins or ongoing residuals. The QSP program comes with additional administrative requirements, compliance rules, and sometimes slower onboarding compared to direct ProAdvisor options.

What’s the Difference Between a ProAdvisor and a QSP?

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a QuickBooks ProAdvisor from a QuickBooks Solution Provider (QSP), you’re not alone. It’s a bit like the difference between a driver and a racecar driver—both know how to get you from A to B, but one is required to go a little faster, jump through more hoops, and keep up with a pit crew.

ProAdvisors are accounting professionals or firms who have completed Intuit’s certification and training programs. They get access to exclusive resources, support, and the ability to offer client discounts or referral incentives through the ProAdvisor portal. There are no sales quotas, and you can focus as much or as little on QuickBooks sales as you want. It’s flexible, low-pressure, and all about helping your clients get the most out of QuickBooks.

QSPs (QuickBooks Solution Providers), on the other hand, are a select group of professionals or firms who take things to the next level. QSPs can also be ProAdvisors, but not all ProAdvisors are QSPs. QSPs are authorized by Intuit to refer or resell QuickBooks products directly, offer wholesale pricing, and access a broader suite of Intuit and third-party solutions. The trade-off? QSPs have to meet ongoing sales thresholds (for example, $18,000 or $2,500 in sales every six months, depending on the program), follow stricter compliance and branding rules, and keep up with more admin. If you don’t hit the numbers, you risk losing your QSP status.

In summary:

• Every QSP can be a ProAdvisor, but not every ProAdvisor is a QSP.

• ProAdvisors focus on advising and supporting clients, with no sales quotas.

• QSPs are in the business of selling and reselling QuickBooks, with higher rewards and higher requirements.

So, whether you want to be the trusted guide or the high-octane pit crew, knowing the difference helps you pick the path that fits your goals—and helps your clients, too.

Traditional Models: ProAdvisor and QSP

• ProAdvisor Direct Discount Referral: This is the go-to for clients who want the lowest price and the fastest onboarding. You use your ProAdvisor portal to set up a subscription, Intuit bills the client, and they get a long-term discount. There is no revenue share for you, but your client saves the most.
• ProAdvisor Revenue Share Referral: If you would rather earn a commission, this model pays you 30 percent of the client’s billed amount for the first 12 months. The trade-off is the client’s discount is shorter, usually 3 months.
• ProAdvisor Firm-Billed (Reseller): Want more control? Your firm pays Intuit at a lifetime 30 percent discount and you invoice the client however you like, passing on the savings, bundling with your own services, or both. This is a great way to build recurring revenue and offer more value.
• QSP Referral and Reseller: The QuickBooks Solution Provider (QSP) program opens up even more options, including access to third-party vendors and higher margins. QSPs can act as both referral agents, earning bounties or residuals, or as resellers, setting their own pricing and managing the client relationship. Onboarding is slower, there is more admin, and compliance requirements are stricter unless you work through a QSP partner.

A Modern Alternative: The School of Bookkeeping Bundle

Here is where things get really interesting. The School of Bookkeeping Bundle is a new, accountant-friendly way to set up clients on QuickBooks Online. Here is what makes it stand out:

• Ongoing Residuals: You earn lifetime residuals for as long as your client subscribes, so you are not just chasing one-time bounties.

  Want to participate? Accountants can become affiliates of School of Bookkeeping and start earning ongoing revenue for every client they refer.

• Zero Compliance Hassle: There are no quotas, no program maintenance, and no admin headaches. School of Bookkeeping takes care of everything.
• Superior Support and Tutorials: Clients get direct access to our Core membership (Compare Memberships) for DIY learning & support, a full library of up-to-date QuickBooks tutorials, and live training. No more waiting on hold with Intuit. (Intuit Support is also included, if you like that kind of thing)
• Desktop Conversion Service: If you need to move a client from QuickBooks Desktop? QuickBooks Desktop services can be included. (restrictions apply)
• Instant Access: Access to the QBO Subscrption is as fast or faster than any other model.

How Do They Compare?

The Bottom Line

Your approach to QuickBooks subscriptions does not have to be scattered like chickens or blindly following the flock like ducks. With the right model and the right partners, you can build a V formation for your firm like gees, going farther together and supporting your clients every step of the way.

Ready to help your clients and your business soar? Explore all your options, and do not overlook the power of the School of Bookkeeping Bundle for a modern, hassle-free experience.
 

Want to earn ongoing revenue? Become an affiliate of School of Bookkeeping and start referring today.