I'm opening a retail cellular phone store with a couple of cellular
providers. Each provider has a different commission structure. Simply
stated, we're paid based on: rate plan sold, retention of clients and
plan enhancements sold (web access, email, nights & weekends etc).
We spend our commissions by reducing cost of the phone, on store
overhead and on compensation to our sales staff. Sales staff
compensation is generally based on rate plan sold, however we want the
flexibility to offer additional compensation based on enhancements
sold. In some cases there may be 2 sales people involved, for example
a telemarketer that gets $10 for every unit sold on the floor.
It's going to be essential to track:
1. Payments owed the store
2. Payments owed the sales staff
3. Payments owed the telemarketer
4. Client name and address so we can stay in touch & be preferred
provider when their service is up for renewal.
The data to be stored in a database:
1. DBF (FoxPro/Clipper/dbase) file format is best.
2. MDB (Access) is a distant second
A web solution is out of the question.
It would be really nice if:
1. It integrates with Quickbooks &/or
2. It integrates with Goldmine &/or
3. It integrates with Outlook
4. It tracks phone discount
Of #1-3 integration with contact management is more important than
integration with Quickbooks, since the program will have its data
stored in a DBF or MDB file none of the "really nice" points are
critical.
The software doesn't have to say "Cellular Phone Software", I imagine
other industries have similar issues - Insurance, Real Estate, Stock
Brokers, Independent Sales Reps etc
I'm looking to keep cost of software under $500 - we need a single seat
Please review what's out there and make 4 or 5 recommendations.
Thank you! |