Keeping Track Of Customers

**wash_me** · 09-05-2003, 09:22 AM

When its time to get my oil changes I get a little note in the mail to remind me. They must have some type of software to keep track of there customers oil changes. Anyone know who sales software that can do this?

**Magellan498** · 09-05-2003, 11:07 AM

Well hey, I am taking CompSciAP this year and we`re learning Java (yay!). I am just young and stupid enought to attempt something like this. Not to mention I`ve got time on my hands...

Sounds like a good idea for an "end-of-year project".

**wash_me** · 09-05-2003, 02:04 PM

This link has something what we are looking for I think.

http://www.bwci.com/THEBESTPMS/remind.htm

**Taxlady** · 09-05-2003, 02:13 PM

I use DayTimer Organizer for my timed reminders. I would imagine that most contact management or agenda software would have some sort of follow up/reminder system. I could even set the reminders in QuickBooks, if I wanted to.

How many clients are we talking about? If it`s not too many, you could even do it using one of the online greeting card sites that offer reminders.

My dentist seems to use a manual method with cards filed by date. His receptionist even has me fill in my name and address on the card while I`m there for my semi-annual appointment.

**BA_Titan** · 09-05-2003, 02:55 PM

A lot of calender programs have "meeting" reminders. Microsoft Outlook has a calender reminder that will pop up when you have something scheduled. You could enter a Customer name to remind you to contact them. You can schedule out at least a year.

**Autoeng** · 09-06-2003, 09:08 AM

I am (among other things) a Microsoft Access programmer. If you pruchased Word, Excel, Powerpoint from Microsoft chances are that it has Access included as well. Access would be a wonderful tool for building a database to keep track of customers, store photos of their car, print reminder postcards, basically anything that you can dream up. In fact the BWCI link that was posted earlier is an Access db (and specifically set up for animal vets so it won`t work for you).

You could hire someone to build the db to your specs (probably cost around 1K for a really nice interface and lots of goodies) or develop it yourself. There a several very good Access forums (I participate in a couple) where you can get a lot of FREE help with your application. Take note that development of such an app would take (done in off time) about 4-6 months.

I`ll look around for any pre-developed apps that might fit you needs.

Autoeng