How to keep track of clients and details?

[coscooper]

Originally Posted by mshu7

Hey guys, just wondering how all of you track your customers, their details, and the details (products) on their details (hehe).

Not only am I looking for a way to track my clients and their details, I'm looking for an easy way to remind me to remind them that it's time for another detail. Do you guys do this or do your customers just call you every few weeks/months?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Mike (all) I actually use a separate "Google" calendar with reminders for now. I also use a home-grown Database in (FileMaker) on my Mac and PC and am kicking around figuring out how to put in on the web.

On our work-order sheet, I also get more than just mailing address, we capture email as well. (Everyone has one) I find sending monthly email newsletters helps generate interest. No one opts-out and I usually get, thanks replies on occasion, or how's it going or something nice back from satisfied customers. Like said above, keeping your name in front of customers is HUGE. Opt-in Email is getting more and more accepted. (Not spam, honest email.) We've noticed that a few days after every email newsletter, the phone rings a lot more.

[baseballlover1]

Originally Posted by JoshVette

I'll be getting an IPhone soon for just these reasons. Can't wait. It's such a great phone.

They are pretty nice! I like mine however the Safari part (internet part) is extremely slow.

[mshu7]

Thanks for all the response!!!

I've been using my Gmail calendar, which works ok but since I can't take it with me, I have to print it out every few days.

I've been mulling the idea of upgrading to a smartphone but i'm still a few months away from being able to upgrade w/o having to pay full retail price. I don't know what I'm going to do.

Coscooper,
That's a really good point about the email. I'm getting ready to work with my web guy on putting together some email marketing material. Whenever I detail a car, I always try to get the customer to fill out one of my little customer information cards so I that I can keep in contact with them.

[TexasTB]

Another PALM Treo user here. Love this thing. Also have a good 'ol Rolodex. Everytime I get a new client, I put it in there.

[mshu7]

I was looking at the Treo 755p since I'm a Sprint customer. Anybody have one?

TexasTB,
Kinda like the Rolodex, I've got a postcard box where I keep customer contact info cards.

[SpoiledMan]

I'm on my second one and now that I've dropped it, it seems to work much better.

I say BACK UP OFTEN! PALM has an online beta backup service. I *HIGHLY* recommend using it.

[mshu7]

Awesome, thanks SpoiledMan!

[TexasTB]

Ditto, I left mine on top of my truck while filling my water tank. Kept telling myself to not forget it, well I forgot it....

Fell off while driving, busted it up pretty bad. Still worked, but the screen was about shot. Just got a new one last week.. And yes, do a back up often!

[SpoiledMan]

If you don't back up, you WILL be sorry one day.

[LazerRed1]

There is commercial software available for the detailing business. Kinda pricey at $2200.

I probably could put together a web based system that could be accessed by computer, iPhone, and any other device with internet capabilities. Let me know how many might be interested in something like this.

We have done another web based system for the horse show people to keep track of the points, winners, etc. It's a subscription type program requiring secure login etc. Not open to the general public.

[sneek]

*drools* iPhone.

[AMDin93103]

Anyone accepting Payment/Credit Cards over a mobile device? Merchant Account, Paypal Virtual Terminal....