Software for a Detailing Business--Know of any?

U

Upscale Detail

New member
I have a small, but increasingly busy and successful detailing business--Upscale Detail. One of the many things I do for my customers is give them a package that contains before and after pictures and a list of everything I did to their vehicle. I am also beginning to include a list of products, that will be in the form of an order blank so that they see what I used and then decide if they want to order any of the products. I also give them an invoice that includes the number of hours I spend on and my assessment of the condition each major section of their cars (engine, interior, exterior, wheels) prior to detailing.



I am looking for a software program geared toward the detailing business that will also allow me to create a history for each customer that I can access by clicking on their names. This will also allow me to see the photos of the last detail, cost, etc. I also want to be able to automatically generate and print an invoice from a computer I will have set up in my shop.



Does anyone know of anything that could even begin to accomplish this? Right now I am using Excel.



Thanks!







:bow
 
Why are you giveing them so much about what you did?? What IMHO you should be giving them is a stack of refferal cards, the pictures, and a brochure outlining Maintenance plans to keep them coming back!!



As far as software I use quickbooks. If you take the time to Dig in hard and learn the advanced features, it can accomplish just what you want.
 
Actually, I do give them referral cards, and I do give them the maintenance plans to keep them coming back and it is working. I do high end cars only and have built up quite a clientele using my refined system. I give them a list of products because they want to know, they want to order, and I make money on that.



I use Quicken and have for years. The Quickbooks may be a better choice. I'm quite computer literate, so the advanced features would not be an issue. Thanks for the tip!



Peggy
 
If you are familiar with Access and some programming, I'd recommend that in order to build a nice little customer database.



However, check into some POS (Point of Sale) software (e.g. MS Windows POS) which may be able to give you the features you desire.
 
Symantec makes a creat program called ACT!. It's really good and you can customize it too.



This is what I use to keep all my clients organized. There are special books out there that will help you learn a lot about the program and its features.



E.J.
 
Thanks! I hadn't thought of ACT and I have used in when I was in sales back in my corporate days. I have a Mac and I'm not sure they have a version for it. I'll check it out! Thanks again.
 
No kidding!! Good grief, what a small world! That's about 9 miles from my house! I live off South Lakes Drive right by the high school. Small world! I do a lot of work for Autopia. We should compare notes!
 
Upscale Detail said:
Thanks! I hadn't thought of ACT and I have used in when I was in sales back in my corporate days. I have a Mac and I'm not sure they have a version for it. I'll check it out! Thanks again.
Click to expand...



Doesn't Entourage have the same capability?
 
Thanks--appreciate your taking the time! Actually, I picked up today a copy of File Maker Pro 7 which I think will do the trick, then I may add QuickBooks. This is much like the Windows version of Access, but much simpler and more full featured. I will check out the link you sent! Thanks again!



Peggy
 
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