Suggestions to newbies

[Clair Dunn]

Stephen, Clyde--
Clyde--I concur with record keeping--you can never have too much of
it. I wrote a program for keeping track of clients and their pianos
and thought of marketing it for a small sum, but decided not too as
I got the impression that folks wanted such a program to contain a
scheduling program. I didn't want to get that involved so what I did
only keeps records. I still prefer the date book for appointment
scheduling. So I only use it for myself.
BUT--I also rebuild and recondition many pianos and that was a
different kettle of fish. I am currently working on a database
program that keeps track of each piano from a list and records work
done, wages, materials cost and sources, and keeps a running total
for estimates. It also prints out a form to give to the customer
when the piano is delivered. It also keeps images, notes, etc. If
there is any interest out there, I would like to know. I wrote it
for my own use because I was going nuts with paper records.
A screen shot of the main form can be seen at

http://www.vt2000.com/cps/prdb1.jpg

At 28K it takes about 50 secs to load.

Cheers,
Clair (and keep those records! you will never regret it.)

-- 
Clair's Piano Service
http://www.vt2000.com/cps

> Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 07:52:42 -0400
> From: Clyde Hollinger <cedel@supernet.com>
> Subject: Suggestions to newbies
>
> Stephen,
>
> I have a suggestion.  Even though you're probably doing few
> pianos at this point, figure out a good record system for the
> pianos you work on.  Then you will never have to say, "I don't
> remember."  One of my current favorite sayings is, "I only
> remember what I write down."  Not entirely true, of course, but
> not entirely wrong, either.
>
> In my antiquated recordkeeping method I record the client's name
> and contact information, driving directions, piano's year, make,
> model, serial number, plus service I provide, items we discussed,
> recommendations, miscellaneous notes (unfriendly dog, charming
> kids, etc.).  I almost never discard records.  Once in a while
> I'll be called about a piano I last tuned many years ago, and I'm
> glad for any information I have.
>
> Also, it is easy to overlook collecting sales taxes (if they
> apply) until suddenly you wake up and realize you've been
> breaking the law.  You want to figure that out before the
> government does.  Find out if any apply, and comply now.
>
> Wishing you the best,
> Clyde Hollinger, RPT
> Lititz, PA, USA
>
> Stephen Airy wrote:
>
>> I just tuned my cousin's Geo. Steck upright (I'd say approx. 52"
>> - didn't measure it...) today.  The serial # looked like it was
>> in the 13000s or 15000s - I don't remember....