Daily Record Keeping

[cure4glass]

I also keep all of my sales totals, number of repairs, customer name ,source of call(YP,shopper,previous customer,truck sign,insurer,network,etc..) address and billing info on an excel spreadsheet that I can query for any info needed.I like to sort the data now & then just to see how much I'm getting from certain areas of town, or from certain advertising media,etc. I think being able to see the business by the numbers is motivating.

[screenman]

Cure4glass spot on mate it is suprising how much more effecient the business runs when you keep proper records.

I have come across a lot of people in this trade who use no motivational tools whatsoever. They never seem to be the ones making the most money.

[StarQuest]

Nothing against you guys talking about daily record keeping but I thought this thread was about handling winter repairs Seems to be driftting a bit, doesn't it?

I think we should start a new thread dealing with keeping daily records and logs. It's a topic that should be expanded on and will also help out some of our newbies. :lol

[CPR]

I'm in, sounds like it would be a good subject.

[Delta Kits]

Split from viewtopic.php?t=1174

[StarQuest]

It may seem a little extreme to some of guys but I actually keep 3 separate daily log books.

One covers daily travel and expense info, one covers all daily account activity including time spent and number of repairs and the last is used for new demo presentations which includes detailed information about demo repair, customer reps attitude and final results.

In my home office I also use a cork backed wall map which covers my total service area. I use different color pins for each of my daily routes. It may sound like old school stuff but it really helps me organize daily routes without wasting additonal fuel and travel time.

At the end of each week I'll then take an hour to calculate all this info from logs to figure out what I'm actually making per hour after expenses. Average normally ends up being $28-$32 per hour, which isn't all that bad

My next step should be to utilize a laptop with custom software installed. I really hate writing this stuff down everyday but it really does help!

[DaveC]

Starquest,

Rather than toting a laptop around, I use a PDA with custom database and sync it with my PC routinely.

Really nifty to have all of your info in your pocket at all times;)

[StarQuest]

Not a bad idea Dave,

Any suggestions to which ones I should research for use in repair? I already use a KYOCERA smartphone/palm writer for contact info and notes but to be honest it doesn't have the ability to do everything I'd like.

Thanks

[DaveC]

The trick (IMO) is to have a palm OS compatible device, then install thinkDB (approx. $35.00) and you can create your own database with your desired fields. You can even link to address book and calendar fields.

[StarQuest]

Thanks Dave,

Talked to my accountant today and he basically gave out the same advice. He even offered to set up data base for me at no charge. What a great guy! He should be though, since I've helped set him up with at least 10 new accounts in the last 3 years.