Sage 100

Our client called Avalara on Monday to get the update file for 2017 PU4 (they had been on PU0 apparently).  She was told it would take 72 hours to get the files to her.  In 6 more hours, it will be 72 hours.  In the meantime, Avalara is installed already (client has been using it) - they just need the PU4 installation files.  Anyone happen to have those files from Avalara?  Tech is in the middle of the update when the client told her they are still waiting on Avalara to get the PU4 files to her...TIA!

------------------------------
Sue Bennett
Jack of All Trades, Master of 1
Bennett/Porter & Associates, Inc.
Tigard OR
503.620.3484
------------------------------

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC
------------------------------

I'll try that - thank you!

------------------------------
Sue Bennett
Jack of All Trades, Master of 1
Bennett/Porter & Associates, Inc.
Tigard OR
503.620.3484
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC
------------------------------

Thank you all!  That worked!  Versions indeed are on the portal!  Yay Madeline and Bob!

------------------------------
Sue Bennett
Jack of All Trades, Master of 1
Bennett/Porter & Associates, Inc.
Tigard OR
503.620.3484
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:20
From: Sue Bennett
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I'll try that - thank you!

------------------------------
Sue Bennett
Jack of All Trades, Master of 1
Bennett/Porter & Associates, Inc.
Tigard OR
503.620.3484
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC

My recent experience with older clients is that the download files are not there.  I don't know when they disappear because they are available once provisioned.  I reported to Avalara Support but haven't heard if they resolved it.
I just checked all clients and connectors for all versions up to 2018 are there so problem solved.
I assume 2019 is available but perhaps needs to be requested?  
PS.  They all have the same 2017 build# (shown below)
PSS.  There was a new connector for 2016 PU4 (and included in all subsequent builds) when a Tax Code field was added in Avatax Configuration to map Items (also new field when enabled - More button) to Avatax Items with Tax Codes for special tax treatment. 


------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC
------------------------------

Can't really say I have ANY warm fuzzy feelings for Avalara lately.  They marketed directly to my client.  Kept me out of the loop until it was time to place the order and then they were best buds.  Please oh please can you place this order before the end of April?????  Luckily for them, the client was a good client so I fronted the money to Sage.  Long story short, tech support is horrible from them, after a month I went directly to the developer and they were kind enough to fix what was broken.  Just not a pleasant experience.  Almost makes Sage look knowledgeable...

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:23
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

My recent experience with older clients is that the download files are not there.  I don't know when they disappear because they are available once provisioned.  I reported to Avalara Support but haven't heard if they resolved it.
I just checked a more recent client and all versions are there.

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC

@Jeff Schwenk  Especially distasteful and opportunistic, commensurate with Avatax going public, was the requirement to purchase a $1,995 Implementation services and support plan (payable in advance) along with the subscription.  Never used it and likely never will.  ​

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:30
From: Jeff Schwenk
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

Can't really say I have ANY warm fuzzy feelings for Avalara lately.  They marketed directly to my client.  Kept me out of the loop until it was time to place the order and then they were best buds.  Please oh please can you place this order before the end of April?????  Luckily for them, the client was a good client so I fronted the money to Sage.  Long story short, tech support is horrible from them, after a month I went directly to the developer and they were kind enough to fix what was broken.  Just not a pleasant experience.  Almost makes Sage look knowledgeable...

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:23
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

My recent experience with older clients is that the download files are not there.  I don't know when they disappear because they are available once provisioned.  I reported to Avalara Support but haven't heard if they resolved it.
I just checked a more recent client and all versions are there.

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC

Per DSD, v2019 is not available yet.  Sounds like they're getting close though.

@Bob Pfahnl - Still can't get the sour taste out of my mouth.  For assistance, they rely heavily on YouTube videos and other non human interactions.  While I suppose that is the wave of the future, many of my clients are still into old fashioned human interaction.  But I guess we'll get used to it.  Back in the day, people actually came out to your car to pump gas and wash your windshield.  Then that stopped.  We got used to it..... ​

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 18:02
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

@Jeff Schwenk  Especially distasteful and opportunistic, commensurate with Avatax going public, was the requirement to purchase a $1,995 Implementation services and support plan (payable in advance) along with the subscription.  Never used it and likely never will.  ​

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:30
From: Jeff Schwenk
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

Can't really say I have ANY warm fuzzy feelings for Avalara lately.  They marketed directly to my client.  Kept me out of the loop until it was time to place the order and then they were best buds.  Please oh please can you place this order before the end of April?????  Luckily for them, the client was a good client so I fronted the money to Sage.  Long story short, tech support is horrible from them, after a month I went directly to the developer and they were kind enough to fix what was broken.  Just not a pleasant experience.  Almost makes Sage look knowledgeable...

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:23
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

My recent experience with older clients is that the download files are not there.  I don't know when they disappear because they are available once provisioned.  I reported to Avalara Support but haven't heard if they resolved it.
I just checked a more recent client and all versions are there.

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC

@Jeff Schwenk  Thanks for the 2019 update.​  100% agree with the impersonal customer interaction practices.  However, when I have initiated calls, I have had helpful assistance from Support and Customer Account Managers.

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 18:58
From: Jeff Schwenk
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

Per DSD, v2019 is not available yet.  Sounds like they're getting close though.

@Bob Pfahnl - Still can't get the sour taste out of my mouth.  For assistance, they rely heavily on YouTube videos and other non human interactions.  While I suppose that is the wave of the future, many of my clients are still into old fashioned human interaction.  But I guess we'll get used to it.  Back in the day, people actually came out to your car to pump gas and wash your windshield.  Then that stopped.  We got used to it..... ​

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 18:02
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

@Jeff Schwenk  Especially distasteful and opportunistic, commensurate with Avatax going public, was the requirement to purchase a $1,995 Implementation services and support plan (payable in advance) along with the subscription.  Never used it and likely never will.  ​

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:30
From: Jeff Schwenk
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

Can't really say I have ANY warm fuzzy feelings for Avalara lately.  They marketed directly to my client.  Kept me out of the loop until it was time to place the order and then they were best buds.  Please oh please can you place this order before the end of April?????  Luckily for them, the client was a good client so I fronted the money to Sage.  Long story short, tech support is horrible from them, after a month I went directly to the developer and they were kind enough to fix what was broken.  Just not a pleasant experience.  Almost makes Sage look knowledgeable...

------------------------------
Jeff Schwenk
FORMER 90M Board Member
Bottomline Software, Inc.
Waynesboro VA
540-221-4444


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:23
From: Bob Pfahnl
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

My recent experience with older clients is that the download files are not there.  I don't know when they disappear because they are available once provisioned.  I reported to Avalara Support but haven't heard if they resolved it.
I just checked a more recent client and all versions are there.

------------------------------
Bob Pfahnl
General Manager - Silicon Valley Office
DSD Business Systems
CA
408-641-0922


Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 17:16
From: Madeline Stefanou
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

I always thought the client could log into their portal and get the files to download, from there.  All versions available, should be there.  No?​

------------------------------
Madeline Stefanou
RKL eSolutions, LLC

Very spotty and slow service. Even on new deals where the customer was already using Avalara and needed to set up a subsidiary. It took almost a full week to get an update on when the customer could turn in the new entity.

But I learn quick. So for any new customers I explain that Avalara is often slow to get setup but the only realistic option (for now). Part of my support to customers is helping them wade these isvs. If a customer doesn’t want support from me then I wish them well and let them call the ISV or Sage direct. Then I don’t pick up the phone or return the email aside from advising they call the ISV.

And don’t forget how much Avalara charges and how little they pay in commissions (which are basically one time while Avalara collects a fat fee each month)

PS - we can provide a ton of value guiding customers through ISV selection. Don’t give this away without somehow charging.

---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
---------------------------------

Yes. Our approach is the same as @Wayne Schulz. It does take some planning and education ("selling​") to move a customer to the model Wayne explains. But it does work. I, too, believe this is the New Reality.

------------------------------
Jerry Norman
President, 90 Minds
Smartbridge Partners
512.419.1444 x112
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-24-2019 23:29
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Avalara update for 2017 PU4

Very spotty and slow service. Even on new deals where the customer was already using Avalara and needed to set up a subsidiary. It took almost a full week to get an update on when the customer could turn in the new entity.

But I learn quick. So for any new customers I explain that Avalara is often slow to get setup but the only realistic option (for now). Part of my support to customers is helping them wade these isvs. If a customer doesn't want support from me then I wish them well and let them call the ISV or Sage direct. Then I don't pick up the phone or return the email aside from advising they call the ISV.

And don't forget how much Avalara charges and how little they pay in commissions (which are basically one time while Avalara collects a fat fee each month)

PS - we can provide a ton of value guiding customers through ISV selection. Don't give this away without somehow charging.

---------------------------------
Wayne Schulz - Schulz Consulting - 860-516-8990
---------------------------------

------Original Message------

Yes. Our approach is the same as @Wayne Schulz. It does take some planning and education ("selling​") to move a customer to the model Wayne explains. But it does work. I, too, believe this is the New Reality.

------------------------------
Jerry Norman
President, 90 Minds
Smartbridge Partners
512.419.1444 x112
------------------------------