Software for a Detailing Business--Know of any?

Upscale Detail · 10-01-04, 04:01

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!

tpgsr · 10-01-04, 05:21

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.

Upscale Detail · 10-01-04, 06:35

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

PrinzII · 10-02-04, 01:48

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.

E.J. · 10-02-04, 09:11

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.

Upscale Detail · 10-02-04, 08:13

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.

tdekany · 10-02-04, 08:25

Where in Reston are you?

I am by GMU on 123 in Fairfax.

Upscale Detail · 10-02-04, 09:47

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!

PrinzII · 10-03-04, 06:44

Quote:

Originally posted by Upscale Detail
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.

Doesn't Entourage have the same capability?

Upscale Detail · 10-03-04, 07:56

Don't know. I have never used it, but the new MS Office X has it. I'm going over to the Apple Store now to check it out!

PrinzII · 10-03-04, 07:44

Upscale: Check this POS Software out
http://posim.net/pm_overview.html

Upscale Detail · 10-03-04, 09:13

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