Internet Feed At The Shop?

Mike Labbe

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Lincoln, RI
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Get The Picture
I'm curious how many folks have internet connectivity from their shops?

We debated the idea at first, and decided to do it with a cablemodem. I've found it to be an invaluable resource for Lifesaver program & price updates, looking up phone book info, placing orders, remote daily backups from the shop PC to the house PC, pcanywhere remote access to the accounting system from home, and most importantly; to access THE GRUMBLE.

Does anyone have any good or bad stories about doing this, or things I should be concerned about? (employee abuse horror stories, etc) We have it protected behind a router and use anti-virus scanners.

I'm curious what other opportunities might be available for shops connected with a 24/7 feed? Perhaps something along the lines of online access to print catalogs, limited edition pieces, etc? Now that we have this, Id like to get the most bang for the buck; but don't know what else is out there.
 
I Mike, been meaning to touch base with you since you're so close. Just been trying to do too many things. To answer your thread question I also use cox at work and it's been great. In RI they charge you 3 1/2 cents per minute on a commercial phone and being on the internet on a dialup made no sense.

Mike you have an invite to stop by and see me anytime. If I get up to Lincoln I'll check you out if you don't mind.

Also do you now a John, from Picture Perfect Studios in Newport, he live up in Lincoln I believe.

framer
 
I'd love to meet you - any time, and will certainly stop by if in the area. It's amazing how people from the northern half of the state don't go south and the same goes for the opposite. (and the state is so small!) People are afraid to cross the bridge and pay the toll.
It is rumored that trolls are under the Newport Bridge.

Although in different markets, I believe our shops are comparable in size. We are a startup company which opened in March of this year. My business partner has 9 years of experience as a professional framer, and worked in a management capacity for a popular local (multi location) company. I'm from a computer and telecommunications background, and continue to work with my own clients part time. (some of them are frame shops, and i'm a Lifesaver beta test site/var)

I'm not familiar with the gentleman from Lincoln, but hope to meet him some day.

We love the Cox service and use them also for our voice lines. Cox voice is .03/minute flat rate for statewide coverage. (no in state toll calls). 5.9 for long distance. Verizon is .035/minute plus .035 extra for the first minute as a connection fee. (7 cents first minute, then 3.5)

I'd like to find some new ideas for the internet feed, and marry it together with the frame shop somehow.

I know we're pretty far apart, but if we can ever be of service in any way; dont hesitate to call!

Keep in touch,
 
Mike,
I think it it a great tool to use for your shop. If you are not getting charged by the minute! One really important thing is if you have employees, that you monitor it and set rules. If you don't it WILL get abused and people might be looking at things you choose them not to at your shop.(playing games or chatting instead of working,ect...) If used properly, an awesome tool! GOOD LUCK ! Chaz
 
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