Behind the times but looking for a change

Create a Post
M

meena

True Grumbler
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Posts
79
I know my way of doing this is not the best but I'm ready for a change. I do not have framing software and do not use a computer for sales. I'm still writing sales in a ledger. I want to start with a software in the new year but don't know which one yet. My question is about computers. Do you have 2 computers that run on the design counter? If I only have 1 and there are 2 people helping customers how does this work? Many times there are 3 of us writing up orders. Do I need 3 computers to do this?

The answer is probably obvious but I want to know from people who are using software.

Thanks and I apologize for the silly question.
 
If you are consistently writing up 2 or 3 orders at a time, I would definitey thank my lucky stars and the Good Lord that you have that much business coming in with this slack economy!!! I don't know how others work their estimates but I would first check out all the old threads on this forum pertaining to POS software and the comments, pros, and cons that are common for each of them. You can do a search for POS programs and find quite a bit of information. I would also download the trial versions of the most interesting of them to try them out in your own situation to make sure they will suit your needs as far as functions, versatility, and ease of use. Check out the maintenance agreements for each of them to see how much they cost per year and what you get with them in updates and support. And finally, make sure that, if you network a couple of computers together, the program will record simultaneous workorders. I don't think that most will do that but I am not sure. I think you might have to buy a multiple license and put a copy of the POS program on each computer but, again, I am not sure about that. I never had the good fortune to have so much work coming in that I needed 3 people and 3 computers to keep up with the work orders!!! :faintthud:

I have used the FrameReady program since its early years of development so I am biased toward that program over the others but they all have their good and bad points.
 
We have two computers at our design counter, networked. We paid a local guy to set it all up. The few times we have needed a third computer, we are grateful that Lifesaver has a 'Suspend' function that lets one order be put on hold while another designer quickly prices out a third order. That has happened either once or twice, so probably shouldn't figure in to your planning, unless you have this happen more often than we do...

It is very scary to go from paper to computer, but you will be soooo glad you did after you live through the switch.
 
you a PPFA member? go sit on the shoulder of a nice/local member(& most of them really are) that uses one (really doesn't matter which one) for an extended time(for as long as they will put up with you)....that is the ONLY way you can really get a taste of what it will take for you to convert to the box!(I'm a 'showme' kinda guy so I'm a little biased) . the demos are like being on the outside of a restaurant looking in the window and wondering what that delicious stuff on the plates really tastes like! then, if you get lucky, you can try this with someone else who uses a different vendor---THAT is the only way you will get a handle on how each on of them 'feels/works'...and they are all different(while doing the same 'basic' stuff). Plus, you will get a great insight into the 'non-standard' stuff is handled--somethimes it's a simple work-around and sometime you must 'fakeout' the system to get what you want done(like how do I acomplish the pricing inline's many many oval/round glass within my system so I can actually USE my system to do it---little thing like that! I've used 3 of them in my business(none were fully installed/utilized--could never get what I wanted out of them) and they all have pros AND cons(comes with the territory!) read ALL the posts on TG---go back as far as the archives go...read em all!

then, when the dust has settled, come next jan/feb, when there is no one in the place, you can sit down with the pos of choice and work work work till you figure out what your doing &/or how to get done what you want(after much fussing & calling tech support, of course). It is, after all, pretty much a #### shoot as to what will fit/satisfy YOU. LOL;)
 
One other thing to think about regarding starting with a system the first of the year. You better get going NOW, or you'll never make it. Once you decide on the hardware/software that you are going to use, it will take some time to get your pricing set in the system and learn how to use it. That might be difficult to accomplish if you have a busy 4th quarter. Even with that said, I would not put off doing it asap, as it will more than pay for itself, especially in a busy shop.
 
Sure. It's at http://www.getthepictureframing.com/gfaq/

Picture Framing Magazine has had some great articles about this topic in the past, by our own Jim Miller. I believe they have the archives up on the website. I have a link for one of them: http://www.getthepictureframing.com/gfaq/Feb06_POS.pdf

You could probably have this fully in place before the busy holiday season, if you start now. Grab some demos, check em out, and make use of tech support to see how helpful and responsive the folks are at the various companies.

If you want to wait until 2009, don't forget the big trade show in January. The major vendors will be there to answer your questions in person, and most offer classroom training sessions.

This month's grumble poll deals with this very topic, and will be the 6th year we have asked grumblers about their use of technology. (which systems we use, how many computers we have, backup and antivirus procedures, websites, cmc, visualization, pos, etc.)

Once you get a professional POS/pricing tool in place, you'll probably slap yourself on the forehead and wish you had done so sooner. At least that's what EVERYONE seems to say afterwards. :)

Best regards
Mike
Get The Picture
Lincoln, RI
 
Last edited:
Create a Post
Back
Top