SmartShop Software was introduced in Campaign 21 of 1994 (9421). Now over 300 independent representatives use it in 40 different states and one off shore. From the British West Indies to Alaska all seem to be delighted with the simple to use, time saving functions. The philosophy for the design of the software is to provide more time for the representative to spend in selling, recruiting or with their families, not more time at a computer. Enrollment with SmartShop Software Services provides telephone support, fax support, software updates, and the occasional WAYS NEWSLETTER forum to inform software users on changes or on how others may be benefiting from SmartShop like for instance doing fund raisers.
SMARTSHOP WINDOWS AND DOS VERSIONS
This software is the result of on-going requests from SmartShop Software users for changes and enhancements to the initial functions of the software over a five-year history of use. A thank you goes out to those who have cared enough to participate in this cooperative effort for improvement. All software users are invited to make their special needs known so that a general solution may be implemented to benefit themselves as well as others.
TO THE FIRST TIME USER:
SmartShop is written to be used by the novice computer user and to have the broadest appeal to the average independent representative. It is designed to run on expensive or inexpensive equipment (from the oldest to the latest - with a possible cost below $200.00 for the computer hardware).
Being computer literate is not a requirement.
This is an intuitive system that uses simple keyboard commands or mouse clicks to control all functions during the entry of an order. With the Windows version, using a mouse is available to those who are "mouse" proficient. For those who are mouse phobic the DOS version is recommended. It will run on the older model computer as well as the newest model. Literally, it takes only minutes to learn to follow the on screen instructions. These features along with the corresponding telephone support to assist with problems which may arise, makes SmartShop Software ideal for the average independent representative. The SmartShop Demo (Available free form this web site.) is recommended for those who have a low volume of business. Conversion to SmartShop full function is automatic since all use a compatible database of customers and orders.
Choosing between the Windows or DOS versions of the software is not a decision that has to be made. Both can reside on the same computer system and be used to update the same database and complement each other. Using either version and switching back and forth is of no concern. On Win95 or Win98 computers the Windows graphic screens can be used or the DOS version can be used at the MS/DOS prompt. ICONS can be set up for both methods on the same system. The DOS version can also be used on economical DOS systems which can not support the Windows operating system. For current DOS users it is not necessary to switch. SmartShop will continue its commitment to support both versions.
ORGANIZATION
SmartShop Software is built around the work pattern of the average representative, the campaign. This manual is organized according to the major steps that a representative will encounter:
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Entering the customer orders
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Ordering the products and printing out individual customer receipts.
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Sacking, delivery and payment.
· Customer & total sales evaluation, goal setting and tax time.
FAQ
The following Frequently Asked Questions and answer session serves to highlight the features of the SmartShop Software package and its benefits to the average representative.
I. Entering the customer orders:
(1) How do I get the customer information into the computer? Do I have to re-enter the information for the next campaign? Can I get a telephone calling list or a delivery list?
Customer information is entered only once. Names, addresses, phone numbers and other customer information are then readily available for the generation of customer orders, a delivery list, telephone list etc. Information can be accessed by typing a few characters (three is suggested) of the Last Name, Address, or Telephone Number. This information can be modified as the need arises. To help prevent duplicate entry of customer information, a search is required before a new entry is allowed.
(2) How do I get the orders into the computer? Can I do price comparisons?
The orders are entered into the computer with just a few keystrokes or mouse clicks. With SmartShop, brochure items may be displayed by brochure page number, product number or through an alphabetic lookup. In Smart/Start access is only by product number. Selection of the products to make up the order is easily made by picking and choosing items from the screen. Product numbers of previously entered products are easily available for all items, saving hours currently spent searching to properly identify products by number either to order or return. Price comparisons for the last few campaigns are provided. Most orders are still written down on a call back note pad (by the phone), however some representatives enter customer orders while on the phone with the customer. Some others actually take a laptop computer right into the customer's living room and enter the order while with the customer. (Used laptop units run as little as $250.00)
(3) Do I have to do the calculations? What about taxes, fees and discounts?
Error free calculations are done including taxes, order fee and customer discounts (if any). Discounts are applied after the taxes.
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