Quoting Software

Probl'y lots of stuff out there, and it'll prob'ly cost. I use a spreadsheet too (and have for about 10 years).

Wow--you make these?

The easiest and cheapest way is to build an Excel spreadsheet and copy the database in to it using lookup functions and drop down selection boxes, that's what we have done for some product lines and it works well.

If you want you can copy protect the spreadsheet to protect your database information (if giving to customers) or better yet just print to PDF a quote page in the same spreadsheet and send them that.

You can get custom database and quoting programs made but they are a bit expensive.

i never worked with the sales software - anyway - if (there are a lot of such where i live) you get a customizable such from (you choice) *production/accounting software providers
- then it is important you can clearly and exactly describe what you want to get from the program

since the MSO / OO / CorelO ... all have built in programmatic support
- it's possible someone with the know how / existing (program source) libs gets your thing implemented on your existing office software

i would however reccommend *p/aSP-s coz they usually have the experience - the feature customizable is important (some want to tell you "it's" impossible <- it just shows their profficiency)

a starter chk-list - just incase:

1) you don't need "automated" the stuff that you perhaps could need
2) the more robust and simple the program and the output forms - the better
(just funny enough - i received an e-mail B&W(black&white = monochrome) 5MB bill from a s/aSP - that i was able to convert to 250KB LZW e.g. 5% of it's ®-size ???)
3) don't buy anything you won't be able to work with later or that doesn't get your job done faster and more effortlessly

Have a look at this..

http://www.arcadiainc.com/resources/V6/

We used it is a company where I once laboured. I think it is from down-under.

Thank you all for your contributions.

My computer failed me just after I posted the question and with the 200 plus emails retrieved when it was operating again were your replies.

I'll study V6 and try a trial, but probably end up with a spreadsheet.

The spelling of "Louvre" is correct for Australia and I realise in the US it is spelt "Louver".

Thanks again Tony