Auto Shop Writer 9.41.22 has several new features that will help you monitor, and market to, your clients. To use them, you will want to follow these steps:
1) Please go into Datamanager. It should do a backup, and update files. Its going to add a new file that allows you to define / assign client status.
2) Go into the main ASW menu, select Clients, then Update Dates.
3) Go into the main ASW menu, select Clients, then Update Totals. If you want to see lifetime data of a client, enter an old date, like 01/01/80. If you only want the totals for the past x number of years, just enter a date when that period begins. For example, if you want to include the past 3 years, you would enter 01/01/11.
Here are the key new features found when you view / edit a client:
Range Once you run the utility, the first date is the very first visit of this client. The second date is the most recent visit of the client. If they are the same, the client never came back. You may wish to reach out to this person.
Total Sales As before, the first box shows you the total sales volume that has been performed with this client. The new, second, box displays the total number of visits, and the average amount spent per visit. The number of visits is the key because a low number indicates either a new client, or someone who doesn’t give you return business.
Status ( client ) If you have run Datamanager to create a new database for this field, then go into Tools – Lists – and go to the bottom. Here you can enter values for the Status drop down box. You will want to have Active, Inactive, Hold ( or Decline ) options, but you can also do a lot more. For example, you could have a status for high quality clients, or ones who are particular about having everything running perfectly.
Occasion This moved, and it used to be the anniversary date, but that was confusing to some people. You can define it as you wish. For example, it could be an annual date for their being a client, or it could be a birthdate. Use it as you wish.
Having the data is only the first step. Next, you will start seeing new reports and follow up options. For example, using this data will allow you to send Thank You letters to those who visit frequently, or on the anniversary of their being a client.
There are also some other features in this update, but these are the ones you may wish to not overlook. Retaining clients is very important.
Finally, we’ve had some questions arise about Credit Card processing. We have two companies who have systems integrated into ASW. What is the benefit of using one of them ? First, there is the savings. Charge It Pro might tell you they can save you $50 on your fees. That’s nice. Then consider the fact you don’t need a dedicated phone line, or that machine, or it’s special paper, to process the cards. That may save you another $50 a month, so now you are saving $1200 / year. Secondly, it is faster. These companies use the internet so there are no connection problems. You simply swipe the card, verify the charge, and ASW plus the merchant services company does the work. You can also print out reports that break out your cards and the charges. Third, it is very secure. You don’t store any card data on your machine. You never have to worry about compliance issues again. Finally, it’s so easy. The amounts are shown in ASW, you swipe the card, the customer confirms it, and you are done. Also, you can spread payments on any workorder across up to 4 cards. Your clients will appreciate that boost on the big jobs. If you have further questions, give us a call at 949 589-3186 anytime.
