The need for specialized software for professional craftspeople is very great. I have not found many applications written specifically for arts and crafts businesses. So you can imagine my pleasure when I received a package containing a copy of Arts and Crafts Organizer, a business program written for artists and craftspeople.

Features:

Each step of the way, you are guided by "Zippy" a loyal helper who will guide you through all the steps of using this program. Zippy will ask you appropriate questions to get the right information into the right places. Zippy also makes sure that no mistakes are made while entering information and allows you to review your entries before filing the record.

Inventory Control -

Almost any inventory record needed for your arts or crafts products can be recorded and recalled in a number of ways.

• Inventory of original pieces separated by number (even reminds you to label the artwork its self for ease of recall).


• Inventory of Limited Edition or numbered pieces.


• Inventory of standard stock. (If you do not have a need for original piece inventory, you can still easily keep track of standard stock items.)


• Inventory control of consignment pieces. (Very handy feature if you have work out on consignment.)


• All inventory sold may be recalled yearly, for tax purposes.


• Allows you to keep track of minimum quantities needed in your inventory. (Never lose a sale because you were sold out of those best sellers again!)

Craft Show/Fair Record Keeping -

To me, this is the most handy feature in the entire package. As I've pointed out in this article, it is important to keep up with deadlines for show applications. Arts and Crafts Organizer, not only helps remind you when deadlines for applications arise, but also lets you know when the application was sent, approved, and when the show dates are. This is very helpful for planning your yearly circuit.

You may also keep track of, and recall individual show sales too! In my opinion, these "craft fair" features alone are worth the cost of the software. Very nice!

Mailing List -

If you've been crafting professionally for any amount of time, you know how important it is to keep records of your customers. A strong mailing list will allow you to send fliers to previous customers when you will be in their area again. You can send a list of new products or sales to customers, too. There are a number of reasons to keep a mailing list and it is very easy to do with this program. Records may be retrieved by Zip Code or you can create separate lists altogether for different contacts. (Wholesale, retail, etc...) And yes, you can print labels from your lists too!

Sales Records -

As I mentioned above, sales may be recalled yearly or for original pieces in chronological order. Everything sold, whether original, limited edition, consignment, or standard stock items, may be recalled quickly and easily.

Expenses -

What business software would be complete without the ability to keep track of your expenses? Arts and Crafts Organizer allows you to enter all the information neccessary, including the date, name of supplier/place of purchase, cost, and a category number that is taken from Schedule C of the Federal Income Tax form.

Summary -

I have only touched on a few of the features of this software. Everyone will not need all of the features available, but I'm sure that everyone will find several of the features very helpful. The cost of the program is $29.95 plus $5.00 for shipping and handling, a fraction of what you will pay for MS Office or a similar business software package. While I will not tell you that this software has all the bells and whistles as some of the more expensive business suites, I will tell you that this is the only package I am aware of that is already customized for your craft-related business. And for the price, in my opinion it can't be beat. If you own a art or craft business and do not yet have business software, visit this site, and get your copy of Arts and Crafts Organizer, you'll be glad you did!

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