PTBiz vs pianoDB

[Dean May]

Jim,

I've used flat file databases since Superbase on a Commodore 64. Right now I
use Microsoft Works and I massage the data in an Excel spreadsheet. I love
it because I can make it do what I want. With a pre-packaged program you are
locked into whatever the developer thinks you need to do. Of course, I lose
some functionality, but it does what I need it to do and it is cheap. Most
of the functionality I lose (multiple service records for each customer) is
maintained on the 3X5 cards I keep on file for each customer.

For each customer I have a Last Serviced field, an interval between tunings
field (3 month, 6 month, etc) and a Due Date field. When I update the record
with each service call, I change the Due Date field depending on the
interval. Every month I get a printout of who is due (and overdue) sorted by
zip code. I also generate postcards for those who are due and some of those
who are overdue. I have a crude algorithm that will send overdue customers a
reminder card twice a year and not every month. The post cards are also done
with mail merge and are just blank 4x6 cards you can get from Staples or
OfficeMax.

I also send mail merge emails to those who are due if I have the email
address. I always ask for email addresses and most everyone is happy to
supply it if they have one. I explain it is easier to contact them that way
and much less intrusive than a phone call. They understand. I also give a $4
discount to those who reply to the email and schedule a tuning appointment.

With my monthly printout I can make phone calls to fill in the schedule-
especially when traveling out of town. If people don't schedule, I ask when
they'd like to have it done. I then update their record with a new Due Date.
If they say, "I'll call you," I just add 12 or 24 months to the Due Date,
depending on how emphatic they are.

Lots of tuners don't like to call. I understand. But it does add business
and many people appreciate the reminder.

If you are interested, I'll send you my Word document templates.

Blessings,


Dean

Dean May             cell 812.239.3359
PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272
Terre Haute IN  47802