Pianotech

So when you're all finished bantering about  Aural Tuning  how and when you do it, and btw some of you take this waaaay too seriously,  how about a conversation about  picking up the check,  which remind me pls  isn't that why we're there or is it for some higher form of artistic satisfaction!, after 35 years I dont do invoices unless piano teachers etc ask for one, they invariably throw them out right away, it's worthwhile to quickly scan the check, that would be the old fashioned scan with the eyes just to make sure  she's signed it, got the amount and the date right, so you dont have to fudge a signature when you take the checks to the bank ooopps!!
 I like to get the friendly  conversation out of the way at the start of the visit so when I'm done or if  she calls out  during tuning  "... how much do I make the check out for Martin..."   then  we can save time when its finished and be on my way..........cheers....

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Martin Snow
Boston MA
617-543-1030
------------------------------

Martin

If you don't have an invoice, or some other form that shows you did the work and for how much, how do you keep track of the money you made?
I give the customer a copy of my invoice, and keep a copy for myself. I keep them for up to seven years, for no other reason than proof that I did the work, in case the IRS comes calling.

But I also keep them to compare what I write on the invoice for future repair, and what I entered in my database. I've also looked up an old invoice in case I got an address, phone number of e-mail wrong. 


------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2017 09:47
From: Martin Snow
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

So when you're all finished bantering about  Aural Tuning  how and when you do it, and btw some of you take this waaaay too seriously,  how about a conversation about  picking up the check,  which remind me pls  isn't that why we're there or is it for some higher form of artistic satisfaction!, after 35 years I dont do invoices unless piano teachers etc ask for one, they invariably throw them out right away, it's worthwhile to quickly scan the check, that would be the old fashioned scan with the eyes just to make sure  she's signed it, got the amount and the date right, so you dont have to fudge a signature when you take the checks to the bank ooopps!!
 I like to get the friendly  conversation out of the way at the start of the visit so when I'm done or if  she calls out  during tuning  "... how much do I make the check out for Martin..."   then  we can save time when its finished and be on my way..........cheers....

------------------------------
Martin Snow
Boston MA
617-543-1030
------------------------------

Original Message------

Martin

If you don't have an invoice, or some other form that shows you did the work and for how much, how do you keep track of the money you made?
I give the customer a copy of my invoice, and keep a copy for myself. I keep them for up to seven years, for no other reason than proof that I did the work, in case the IRS comes calling.

But I also keep them to compare what I write on the invoice for future repair, and what I entered in my database. I've also looked up an old invoice in case I got an address, phone number of e-mail wrong. 


------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

I used paper invoices for the first year in business. Now I've started to switch over to an all-electric system, but still give out paper invoices upon request. 

Square processes credit cards, as we know, but it also gives out invoices and receipts, keeps track of how much you made each month (or rather how much you entered into the virtual register). The only time I get charged is when I swipe a card. I can get paid in cash and check, simply ring it up as such, and not pay a dime. Then I can send a receipt to the customers email (which I already have due to asking for it on the phone), or send an invoice. 

Ive found that electric is much easier on my end, when it comes to accounting. I just click print and print a monthly report. It's worked well, and looks better than my handwriting. 

The only downfall is that I can't write recommendations on there. Pity. However, I do have the clients email, so I simply shoot them a follow up afterwards. Has worked well so far, but I'm going to keep trying to improve my system.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2017 13:56
From: Gary Bruce
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

I don't know about Martin, but we use Gazelle and send an email invoice if the customer wants one. Can print one out and send it as a hard copy, again if the customer wants one.

Gary Bruce
Registered Piano Technician

Original Message------

Martin

If you don't have an invoice, or some other form that shows you did the work and for how much, how do you keep track of the money you made?
I give the customer a copy of my invoice, and keep a copy for myself. I keep them for up to seven years, for no other reason than proof that I did the work, in case the IRS comes calling.

But I also keep them to compare what I write on the invoice for future repair, and what I entered in my database. I've also looked up an old invoice in case I got an address, phone number of e-mail wrong.


------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

I am working on a way to do my business with Filemaker, and the Filemaker Go app that runs a Filemaker database on a tablet (or phone). It's something that I've wanted to do for several years. Not sure when it will be ready, but hopefully by year's end.

------------------------------
John Formsma, RPT
New Albany MS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2017 16:53
From: Benjamin Sanchez
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

I used paper invoices for the first year in business. Now I've started to switch over to an all-electric system, but still give out paper invoices upon request.

Square processes credit cards, as we know, but it also gives out invoices and receipts, keeps track of how much you made each month (or rather how much you entered into the virtual register). The only time I get charged is when I swipe a card. I can get paid in cash and check, simply ring it up as such, and not pay a dime. Then I can send a receipt to the customers email (which I already have due to asking for it on the phone), or send an invoice.

Ive found that electric is much easier on my end, when it comes to accounting. I just click print and print a monthly report. It's worked well, and looks better than my handwriting.

The only downfall is that I can't write recommendations on there. Pity. However, I do have the clients email, so I simply shoot them a follow up afterwards. Has worked well so far, but I'm going to keep trying to improve my system.

------------------------------
Benjamin Sanchez
Professional Piano Services
(805)315-8050
www.professional-piano-services.com
BenPianoPro@comcast.net

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2017 13:56
From: Gary Bruce
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

I don't know about Martin, but we use Gazelle and send an email invoice if the customer wants one. Can print one out and send it as a hard copy, again if the customer wants one.

Gary Bruce
Registered Piano Technician

Original Message------

Martin

If you don't have an invoice, or some other form that shows you did the work and for how much, how do you keep track of the money you made?
I give the customer a copy of my invoice, and keep a copy for myself. I keep them for up to seven years, for no other reason than proof that I did the work, in case the IRS comes calling.

But I also keep them to compare what I write on the invoice for future repair, and what I entered in my database. I've also looked up an old invoice in case I got an address, phone number of e-mail wrong.


------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

In the past year or so I have had more reasons to dig into my very old paper records for information about pianos I worked on way back when. I am glad I have them.

------------------------------
Cindy Strehlow
Urbana, IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2017 13:56
From: Gary Bruce
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

I don't know about Martin, but we use Gazelle and send an email invoice if the customer wants one. Can print one out and send it as a hard copy, again if the customer wants one.

Gary Bruce
Registered Piano Technician

Original Message------

Martin

If you don't have an invoice, or some other form that shows you did the work and for how much, how do you keep track of the money you made?
I give the customer a copy of my invoice, and keep a copy for myself. I keep them for up to seven years, for no other reason than proof that I did the work, in case the IRS comes calling.

But I also keep them to compare what I write on the invoice for future repair, and what I entered in my database. I've also looked up an old invoice in case I got an address, phone number of e-mail wrong.


------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
------------------------------

Original Message------

In the past year or so I have had more reasons to dig into my very old paper records for information about pianos I worked on way back when. I am glad I have them.

------------------------------
Cindy Strehlow
Urbana, IL
------------------------------

Gary, would you happen to know if Gazelle can import data from an EXTREMELY old version of an MsWorks database? Transferring from that program to something more up to date has defeated me for years.

As I get older, learning complicated new software seems harder, but in this case it might be worth it.

Regards,

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2017 09:49
From: Gary Bruce
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

I still have my 5x8" index cards dating back to 1980 with service information recorded there, also an early database system that I reference occasionally.  But a couple years ago we started using Gazelle.  Imported all the early database info into it and am loving it more as we utilize more of its features.  Whatever you put on the invoice will automatically transfer to the client's timeline of service history.  I can access all the info from my phone or computer at home.  It syncs up instantly.  Geo-based self scheduling is a BIG hit with clients.  I can create Condition Reports which detail piano condition and recommendations for maintenance/repair/etc.  If I find myself completely out of internet range for some reason I pull out the old reliable pen and paper and then transfer it to Gazelle when I'm back in range or use the Notes app on my phone.  That doesn't happen very often but occasionally.  (I'm not being paid for this glowing recommendation, by the way.)   

Gary Bruce
Registered Piano Technician

CLICK HERE to schedule your next piano tuning.

405-285-8324 (store)

405-413-8863 (cell)
BruceMusicStore.com

We would love for you to connect with us!

Original Message------

In the past year or so I have had more reasons to dig into my very old paper records for information about pianos I worked on way back when. I am glad I have them.

------------------------------
Cindy Strehlow
Urbana, IL
------------------------------

Hello Susan,

I would contact Timothy directly about this. However, I suspect that the answer is "yes", and that he would do it for free. See his explanation here:

Import Your Data To Gazelle

Gazellenetwork		remove preview
Import Your Data To Gazelle Since our launch, we have imported data from over 30 different programs including: MS Access Excel Apple Contacts and iCal Google Contacts and Google Calendar PTBiz PianoCal Piano Service Manager Microsoft SQL Microsoft SQLite Over 20 other programs! If your data is digitial we can import it! View this on Gazellenetwork >

------------------------------
Peter Stevenson RPT
P.S. Piano Service
Prince George BC
250-562-5358
ps@pspianos.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2017 16:25
From: Susan Kline
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

Gary, would you happen to know if Gazelle can import data from an EXTREMELY old version of an MsWorks database? Transferring from that program to something more up to date has defeated me for years.

As I get older, learning complicated new software seems harder, but in this case it might be worth it.

Regards,

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon

Original Message:
Sent: 08-26-2017 09:49
From: Gary Bruce
Subject: Picking up the check...anything but more Aural Tuning

I still have my 5x8" index cards dating back to 1980 with service information recorded there, also an early database system that I reference occasionally.  But a couple years ago we started using Gazelle.  Imported all the early database info into it and am loving it more as we utilize more of its features.  Whatever you put on the invoice will automatically transfer to the client's timeline of service history.  I can access all the info from my phone or computer at home.  It syncs up instantly.  Geo-based self scheduling is a BIG hit with clients.  I can create Condition Reports which detail piano condition and recommendations for maintenance/repair/etc.  If I find myself completely out of internet range for some reason I pull out the old reliable pen and paper and then transfer it to Gazelle when I'm back in range or use the Notes app on my phone.  That doesn't happen very often but occasionally.  (I'm not being paid for this glowing recommendation, by the way.)   

Gary Bruce
Registered Piano Technician

CLICK HERE to schedule your next piano tuning.

405-285-8324 (store)

405-413-8863 (cell)
BruceMusicStore.com

We would love for you to connect with us!

Original Message------

In the past year or so I have had more reasons to dig into my very old paper records for information about pianos I worked on way back when. I am glad I have them.

------------------------------
Cindy Strehlow
Urbana, IL
------------------------------

Original Message------

Gary, would you happen to know if Gazelle can import data from an EXTREMELY old version of an MsWorks database? Transferring from that program to something more up to date has defeated me for years.

As I get older, learning complicated new software seems harder, but in this case it might be worth it.

Regards,

------------------------------
Susan Kline
Philomath, Oregon
------------------------------