Question 1

Why switch from Busy to HelloBooks?

Accepted Answer

Three reasons Indian businesses cite most: 1) Busy is Windows desktop — backups, multi-machine sync, remote staff access need IT support and RDP/TeamViewer workarounds. HelloBooks is cloud-native: any browser, any device, no install. 2) Busy updates are tied to a paid renewal every 360 days; HelloBooks Pro at ₹499/month includes all updates with no AMC. 3) GST filing in Busy requires exporting JSON files and uploading them to the GST portal separately; HelloBooks builds GSTR-1/3B/9 in the GSTN filing schema, ready to file, and reconciles GSTR-2B automatically.

Question 2

Busy has strong trading-business features — does HelloBooks match?

Accepted Answer

Yes for most trading workflows: SKU/item codes, batch tracking with batch-wise valuation, expiry-date tracking with FEFO reporting, multi-godown stock, BOM for manufacturing, sales orders → purchase orders flow. Where Busy still wins: very deep inventory features for large traders (multi-currency stock valuation, complex landed-cost allocation across 50+ cost components). For 90% of Indian trading SMBs, HelloBooks covers the workflow with a cloud upgrade as a side-benefit.

Question 3

How does the Busy-to-HelloBooks migration work?

Accepted Answer

Export from Busy (Administration → Export → Company Data) — runs XML bundles of masters and vouchers. Upload to HelloBooks migration tool, the chart-of-accounts and ledger mapping is similar to Tally migration. Customers, vendors (parties), items with HSN/SAC, opening balances, and historic vouchers come across with GST codes intact. Multi-year ledgers run in 2-4 hours.

Question 4

Can I run HelloBooks offline like Busy?

Accepted Answer

No — HelloBooks is cloud-first. That's a deliberate trade: automatic backups, real-time multi-device access, real-time collaboration across staff, no IT overhead, no AMC. If offline operation is a hard requirement (very remote location, weeks without connectivity), Busy desktop stays the right tool. Where the internet is dependable, the cloud removes backup and remote-access workarounds.

Feature	HelloBooks	Busy
Pricing	Free Plan; Pro ₹499/mo, unlimited users, every GSTIN of one entity	Free Express tier; paid editions renew every 360 days (subscription, not a perpetual licence)
Deployment	Cloud — any browser, any device, no install	Desktop-first, but BUSY On Cloud and native mobile apps are available
Annual maintenance (AMC)	No AMC — subscription includes updates	Updates tied to the 360-day renewal; see Busy’s site for current terms
GSTR-1 / 3B direct filing	Direct filing, GSTR-2B reconciliation	Direct GSTR-1 / IFF filing and IMS since July 2021
E-invoicing chain	Invoice → IRN → e-way bill in one chain	E-invoice + e-way bill workflows separate; manual cross-reference
Multi-user / collaboration	Unlimited cloud users on Pro; real-time	Multi-user needs Standard/Enterprise license + LAN/server setup
AI categorization	Built-in AI agent	AI Voucher Scan (BUSY Magic) shipped 21 July 2026 for documents only; no AI categorization of bank transactions
Multi-state GSTINs	Every GSTIN of one legal entity on Pro and above (Free: one GSTIN)	Separate Busy company per GSTIN; manual consolidation
Trading-business depth (item codes, batch, expiry)	Full SKU + batch + expiry tracking on Pro	Strong — Busy's trading depth is a real strength

The Busy alternative for cloud-ready Indian businesses

HelloBooks vs Busy (India)

Busy at about ₹8,000 per 360 days, or HelloBooks Free at ₹0

Included in Free

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Busy switch — frequently asked

Try the Busy alternative — free