I can concur with David P about Time & Chaos. I switched from a DOS program (similar to your card file...;-] ) and had little trouble. You enter your customers from your card file and enter new customers directly into the program. Use the card file system in conjunction until you're fully computerized. You mention keeping data on customers, i.e. piano name, serial etc. and service record. Each name in your (telephone book) has a custom field area you can label anyway you want and unlimited note space to enter each service appt. with a time stamp... Before you do anything else download it and give it a try. David I. PS I sync all my appointments, addresses etc. with a Palm I carry to the job. I don't use a appt. book anymore. ----- Original message ----------------------------------------> From: "David M. Porritt" <dm.porritt@verizon.net> To: <caut@ptg.org> Received: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 16:39:06 -0600 Subject: RE: Client database >Jeff: >For what you need Access seems like overkill to me. I have been using Time & Chaos >for my customer database, my calendar, my to-do list. You can download it for free and >try it. If you like it, you'll need to buy it but it is only something like $45.00. >I think you can try it for 2 weeks or so. By then you'll know if you like it. You can get it >from: >http://www.chaossoftware.com/chaos32.html >dave >__________________________________________ >David M. Porritt, RPT >Meadows School of the Arts >Southern Methodist University >Dallas, TX 75275 >----- Original message ----------------------------------------> >From: Jeff Tanner <jtanner@mozart.sc.edu> >To: College Technicians <caut@ptg.org> >Received: Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:39:38 -0500 >Subject: Client database >>Hi all, >>I have some questions about client management software. Since I have a >>fairly small private clientele, it isn't worth spending a fortune on >>database software, so we're trying to keep this as cheap as possible. >>My wife is trying to set something up so that she can help me manage my >>private customers (I am a terrible secretary). I've been using index >>cards so far, but there's no way for me to put all the information I >>know about a customer on index cards that she would need. We have >>Microsoft Access which was a part of the software already installed on >>our computer, and she also has Publisher '97, which interfaces somehow >>with Access, in doing mailing labels, etc. >>Neither of us are computer gurus, and she is much more familiar with >>the PC softwares, while I am more familiar with the Macintosh softwares >>on this computer at the school. >>Are any of you using Access, and if so have you developed a client >>record template you are satisfied with? >>Are the templates transferrable? (emailable) How does that work? >>Unless you feel this is good fodder for the list, you can feel free to >>email me privately. >>Thanks in advance, >>Jeff >>Jeff Tanner, RPT >>Piano Technician >>School of Music >>University of South Carolina >>Columbia, SC 29208 >>(803) 777-4392 >>_______________________________________________ >>caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives >_______________________________________________ >caut list info: https://www.moypiano.com/resources/#archives
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