Want to use DigitalCustom but not Lifesaver

[Natalya Murphy]

Having recently seen the cool stuff DigitalCustom has to offer, we signed up for an account with them and will be offering their services in our shop. Their pricing sheet is really confusing so I'd like to use a POS to calculate retail pricing.

I know DigitalCustom integrates with Lifesaver but frankly, I like my FrameReady software too much to give it up. We tried Lifesaver for a while and just never found it very user-friendly.

Has anyone set up DigitalCustom pricing in FrameReady? If so, please share your secrets.

I'm almost tempted to use Lifesaver strictly for DigitalCustom pricing and then putting the resulting numbers into FrameReady, but the thought of running 2 separate POSs just seems like asking for trouble.

[Jay H]

Integrating DC with POS software is like putting a doorbell on an outhouse. Its just unnecessary.

I don't use FrameReady so I don't know how to add items but I’m sure it’s no big deal. The price guides for prints are pretty straight forward.

If you’re talking about pricing restoration work, I don't understand how any POS can do that for you. When I upload a photo, they send me a price in almost no time at all. That price always varies. It’s my understanding that the POS software allows you to choose between predetermined grades of restoration (This is just my understanding and may not be fact). What I don't understand is what if your guess about the amount of restoration varies from what DC says?

The process via their website is quite efficient.

Carryon.

[CAframer]

I'd echo what Jay said, and add that when I take a DC order I simply give the client an approximate price and add a note to the order reiterating that it's subject to adjustment. I never have a problem with this approach. When I get around to scanning and submitting the image, DC promptly sends me an email with their charges. I have never had to increase my price over my estimate because I always plug in a big enough cushion.

[Jay H]

I don't quote a price. I give them a range but never a price. The simple reason is that some things don't scan as well as others. So even though the restoration looks easy, the scan alone might create some work. I had a photo that was assembled like a giant button. You know like a campaign button complete with glossy covering. It didn't scan well at all and I'm sure effected the price.

[JFeig]

You can pre-enter the different price levels of photo restoration in the item pop-up column in invoicing for FrameReady. I agree with everyone else in that it is not necessary to do this, that the prices can be manually entered as needed. Additional charges for services, such as prints, rush mailing charges, etc can also be entered manually.

Another area to place the service is in the work order when the finished print is being framed (other charges - scanning - restoration - printing).

[DTWDSM]

I rember once a few years ago I was involved in an embarrassing moment involving an outhouse.......If only there was a doorbell