Also, a point of sale/computerized software system is the best investment you'll ever make if you want consistency and accuracy in orders and the ability to reference old work orders. Back when I did hand written orders I too believed I was faster than a computer, but I was kidding myself.
I strongly agree. Doing it on the screen is considerably faster, especially when the customer wants to compare different mats, mouldings, fabrics, fillets, and glazing choices. Just wave the other one by the barcode scanner (or type in the #), and you instantly have the new price (with tax).
Price updates come in from the various vendors on a daily basis, rather than on a yearly price chart that may or may not be sent/processed in a timely manner. There's less chance of leaving money on the table, because you're charging last month's (or last year, or 3 years ago) prices. You set the markup rules, and it uses the current vendor price as the base for the formula. The time saved from manually updating prices, or even looking them up in a book while selling, is probably considerable.
When something is discontinued, you are notified right away - rather than the once yearly paper price list update. You'll know to yank the sample off the wall. The system will warn you that it has been discontinued, if you try to sell it. This saves the embarrassment of having the customer come back in to choose an alternate.
Paperwork will be concise, and the customer customer copy (invoices/receipts or quotes) lack item/part numbers - which could be taken to a competitor or big box. The workorder goes to the back room only, and has all the measurements and details.
Your materials shopping list will be automatically created for you, as will customer history, mailing list, accounts receivable tracking, back room scheduling calendar and "to do" lists, and daily/monthly financial reports. You'll find that customers will be less likely to haggle.
You can also use any of the popular POS systems to sell art, gifts, supplies, etc. They can track commissions and consignments. Most of them can even process credit cards, or hook up to an optional automatic cash drawer, barcode reader, label printer, or email customers when their orders are ready.
I'm only scratching the surface, with some of the benefits. Jim Miller wrote a great article about this a few years ago, for PFM.
The link in my tagline has a neutral comparison list, if interested. I won't mention which one we use, so you'll approach it with a neutral eye and try out all the various free demos.
We built our counters from 3/4" particular board, with a 12 foot wide design. The sides are indented, lit, and carpeted. The top surface is covered with granite (floor) tiles. The inside of this design counter has slots, where the finished jobs are stored. There are computer terminals on each side of the counter. (just the monitor and keyboards, the pc's, cash drawer, and printer are underneath)
We use clear plastic bags and cardboard corners, like some others.
Good luck with the new venture!
Mike
Get The Picture
Lincoln, RI
