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Choosing a payroll provider is an important decision for any New Jersey small business. Two common options are ADP, one of the largest payroll companies in the world, and Sharp Payroll Service, a local provider serving Ocean County and surrounding areas since 1984. This comparison helps you understand the differences and choose the right fit for your business.
Company Overview
About ADP
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is a global payroll and HR company founded in 1949. They serve businesses of all sizes across more than 140 countries. ADP offers multiple product tiers from basic payroll to comprehensive HR solutions.
Key facts:
- Fortune 500 company
- Serves 920,000+ clients worldwide
- Offers payroll, HR, benefits administration, time tracking
- Multiple product lines for different business sizes
About Sharp Payroll Service
Sharp Payroll Service is a local payroll company based in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Since 1984, they’ve specialized in serving small and mid-sized businesses in Ocean and Monmouth counties with payroll, bookkeeping, tax services, and insurance.
Key facts:
- Locally owned and operated since 1984
- Based in Point Pleasant, NJ
- Serves 750+ clients
- 230+ five-star reviews
- Offers payroll, bookkeeping, tax, and insurance services
Feature Comparison
Core Payroll Features
| Feature | Sharp Payroll | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll processing | Yes | Yes |
| Direct deposit | Yes | Yes |
| Tax calculations | Yes | Yes |
| Tax filings (federal & state) | Yes | Yes |
| W-2 preparation | Yes | Yes |
| 1099 processing | Yes | Yes |
| Year-end reporting | Yes | Yes |
| Wage garnishments | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple pay schedules | Yes | Yes |
Both providers offer comprehensive core payroll features. The difference lies in how these services are delivered and supported.
Additional Services
| Feature | Sharp Payroll | ADP |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | Yes | Limited |
| Tax preparation | Yes | Through partners |
| Insurance services | Yes | Yes (through ADP) |
| HR support | Consultative | Full platform (additional cost) |
| Time tracking | Integration available | ADP product line |
| Benefits administration | Consultative | Full platform (additional cost) |
Sharp Payroll Service offers a broader range of integrated services for small businesses, including bookkeeping and tax preparation, while ADP offers more extensive HR technology for larger companies willing to pay additional fees.
Pricing Comparison
Sharp Payroll Pricing
Sharp Payroll Service offers transparent, competitive pricing:
- Base fee: Typically $30-50/month
- Per employee fee: $4-8 per employee per pay period
- No hidden fees: Price includes tax filings and direct deposit
- Bundled services: Discounts available when combining payroll with bookkeeping or tax services
Contact Sharp Payroll for a customized quote based on your specific needs.
ADP Pricing
ADP pricing varies significantly by product tier:
- ADP Run (small business): $59+/month base plus per-employee fees
- RUN Powered by ADP: Multiple tiers from Essential to Complete
- Per employee costs: Typically $4-12 per employee per pay period
- Additional charges: Setup fees, year-end fees, and add-on features often cost extra
ADP’s pricing can increase significantly when adding features or as your business grows.
Cost Comparison for a Typical Small Business
For a business with 10 employees running bi-weekly payroll:
| Provider | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Sharp Payroll | $100-150/month |
| ADP Run Essential | $150-200/month |
| ADP Run Enhanced | $200-300/month |
| ADP Run Complete | $300-400/month |
Actual costs vary based on specific features, pay frequency, and business needs.
Customer Service Comparison
Sharp Payroll Service Approach
Personalized service model:
- Dedicated payroll specialist knows your business
- Direct phone access to your representative
- Local office for in-person meetings
- Same-day response to most inquiries
- Proactive communication about issues
- Owner-operator accessibility
Sharp Payroll’s local presence means your questions reach someone who knows your account and can provide immediate answers.
ADP Service Approach
National service model:
- Call center-based support
- Tiered support levels (basic vs. premium)
- Multiple representatives may handle your account
- Online chat and ticket system
- Extensive self-service resources
- Premium support costs extra
ADP’s service quality varies by product tier. Basic plans receive call center support, while premium plans include dedicated representatives at additional cost.
Technology Comparison
Sharp Payroll Technology
- Cloud-based payroll processing
- Employee self-service portal
- Direct integration with QuickBooks
- Mobile-friendly access
- Secure data handling
- Regular system updates
Sharp Payroll provides modern technology appropriate for small business needs without overwhelming complexity.
ADP Technology
- Comprehensive HR technology platform
- Mobile apps for employers and employees
- Extensive integration options
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- AI-powered features in premium tiers
- Regular updates and new features
ADP’s technology is more extensive, which benefits larger companies with complex needs but may be more than small businesses require.
Pros and Cons
Sharp Payroll Service
Pros:
- Personal relationship with your payroll specialist
- Local knowledge of NJ business requirements
- Competitive pricing without hidden fees
- Bundled services (payroll, bookkeeping, tax)
- Quick, responsive customer service
- Owner-operated accountability
Cons:
- Smaller technology footprint than ADP
- Less extensive HR platform
- Regional focus (primarily NJ)
- Fewer integration options
ADP
Pros:
- Comprehensive HR technology platform
- Scalable for growing businesses
- Extensive integrations
- Brand recognition and stability
- National coverage for multi-state businesses
Cons:
- Higher costs, especially for small businesses
- Additional fees for many features
- Call center support quality varies
- Less personalized service
- May be more complex than needed for small businesses
- Contract terms can be restrictive
Best Fit Scenarios
Choose Sharp Payroll If:
- You operate a small to mid-sized business in New Jersey
- You value personal relationships with service providers
- You want transparent, competitive pricing
- You need payroll, bookkeeping, and tax services from one provider
- You prefer working with local businesses
- You want quick, direct access to support
- Your payroll needs are straightforward to moderately complex
Choose ADP If:
- You have a large workforce (100+ employees)
- You need extensive HR technology features
- You operate in many states
- You require complex integrations
- You have dedicated HR staff to manage the platform
- You prefer self-service technology over personal service
- Budget is less of a concern
What Customers Say
Sharp Payroll Reviews
Sharp Payroll Service maintains 230+ five-star reviews from New Jersey business owners. Common themes:
“Matt and his team are incredibly responsive. When I have a question, I get an answer immediately, not after navigating phone trees.”
“After years with a national company, switching to Sharp was the best decision. Personal service makes all the difference.”
“They handle my payroll, bookkeeping, and taxes. Having everything in one place simplifies my life.”
ADP Reviews
ADP receives mixed reviews depending on product tier and business size:
Positive feedback:
- Reliable processing
- Comprehensive features
- Good technology platform
Common complaints:
- Difficulty reaching support
- Unexpected fees
- Contract issues
- Service quality depends on rep assigned
Switching from ADP to Sharp Payroll
Many New Jersey businesses switch from ADP to Sharp Payroll Service for better service and lower costs. The transition process:
- Initial consultation – Discuss your needs and get a customized quote
- Information gathering – Sharp Payroll requests your payroll records
- Account setup – Configure your payroll with employee data
- Parallel processing – Optional overlap period for verification
- Full transition – Sharp Payroll handles all future payroll
Most transitions complete within 1-2 pay periods with no disruption to employees.
What You’ll Need to Provide:
- Current year-to-date payroll reports
- Employee information (W-4s, direct deposit forms)
- Recent tax filings (941, state returns)
- Employer tax ID numbers
- Any outstanding tax issues to address
Making Your Decision
The right payroll provider depends on your business needs, budget, and service preferences. Consider:
Service priorities: Do you value personal relationships or prefer self-service technology?
Business complexity: Are your payroll needs straightforward or highly complex?
Budget: What are the true costs including all fees and add-ons?
Growth plans: Will your provider scale with your business?
Location: Do you need a provider who understands New Jersey specifically?
Get a Personalized Comparison
Sharp Payroll Service offers free consultations to help you evaluate your options. We’ll review your current costs, discuss your needs, and provide a transparent quote so you can make an informed decision.
Contact Sharp Payroll Service today for a no-obligation comparison.
Sharp Payroll Service 928 Arnold Ave, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 Phone: (732) 458-3800 Email: matt@sharppayrollservice.com