How do you keep track of customers?

ndnguy

ndnguy

New member
So I was sitting here thinking about creating a customer database, when I realized I don't have a single clue as how to do this. What do you use? Have you created a system that works for you? Do you use any software? Paper or on the computer? Sticky notes?

The more and more I think about my own business, the more I want to focus on customer service (I'll be posting an article about this later), so it makes sense to keep track of your customers (what services they've used in the past, or if they have reffered someone, ect, ect). I used to use a web-based database called UpShot. But i'm not sure how practical it would be for our detailing business'. They do have an automotive service, with some plus sides (keeping track of services, customer database, ect). When I used their service for another company I was quite impressed with it, and it allowed me to manage my time very effectively. As for pricing, I never had to pay for it (currently I'm in the process of talking to their customer service, so I'll post later how much their services are). I believe its a pay per user per month deal.

Right now its just all on paper, but I'd like to find a better way of doing this. Thanks in advance.
 
Well, it looks like its $70 a month per person, so perhaps UpShot isn't a viable option. What does everyone else use? My wife suggested we use Excel in the meantime. Any suggestions guys/gals?
 
Microsoft Excel-I've created a spreadsheet on the customer w/their complete contact info., date when done, what was done w/any notes, as well as vehicle.

You might want to consider Microsoft Works. It can be done w/this software package and can be had very cheap at any computer consignment store or you might want to check ebay:)
 
Alot of people use Excel for a variety of uses, but most don't realize the incredible data managment capabilities it has. A friend of mine is an Excel guru. I bet he would be able to put together a nice spreadsheet template designed for detailers.
Besides customer name & contact info, vehicle details, services performed, amounts paid, dates, referral source, ... what other factors would most detailers like to have in the spreadsheet??
 
I have set up databases for customers (I'm a freelance computer tech) in both Excel and Access, but most people don't realize that Outlook can do many of the things that people want.

Happy Holidays
"J"
 
I have spent the last 12 years working as a sales trainer and teaching data base management for two public companies and some private ones as well. Currently I am helping to setup a prospect data base for the real estate company that I am working for.

OK enough of that, I track all my customers threw Goldmine, it will interface with about any hand help PDA, outlook, excel, you name it. I have it loaded on my desk top.

I can track the customers products that they like, what I did and charged, when the next time I should call or e-mail. I also setup bulk e-mails for specials that I run when I'm looking for biz. It can tell me how many cars I have done in any given time, how much I made, how much product I brought and how much per car that I used.
It's one of the best tools that I have seen on the market that can be personalized to fit about any application that you want.
You can buy the software for about 300 bucks that will return you a life time of tracking customers
 
Wow thanks guys for all the great replies.

I thought I had excel but for some reason it isn't in my massive collection of CDs. But I'll have to get a copy and try it out (never used excel before). I'm currently making a complied book of all the tips and tricks to detailing (including templates for others to use), that I hope to be done with sometime by the end of next month (not much free time and I still need to get approval from the original authors to use their work most of it is free on the internet but I don't want to inadvertantly peeve someone off).

rachael: That would be very very kind of you if you were to make a template for people to use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top