HQ cheaper version?

Tom,

Guess you weren't around when HQ package was a $5k + maintenance buy-in? ;-)

Check out GNS Partners - I *think* their accounting integration could provide some minimal oversight features through the accounting software. It's not going to let you transfer/purchase inventory or even do sales comparisons at the item level, but you should be able to compare sales at the department level and see an overall view of sales across the organization.

I have a couple of two store customers on HQ, and even for that small an organization, HQ is a good value. If they intend to continue growing, put them on HQ right away - you do NOT want to try merging two existing stores into HQ later!