Freaking Software.... Help!

[Cajungaltx]

I'm seeking serious input into these software options...

PhotoOne/Studio Plus (owned by same now)
Successware
Studiocloud

I want a once source solution - customer data, calendar, scheduling, email marketing, finance...

I am growing along the right pace for my goals.... but am getting to the point where NOT capturing data/having a calendar system is seriously kicking my butt...

Sticky Notes are NOT my friends! ;-)

So - for those who are USING a software management for your studio - other than an excel sheet/outlook - could you let me know what you are using/tried/like?

[J Eddington]

Studio Cloud sucks. Their back up system is not good. When information was lost and it was not discovered for 8 days they could do nothing.
I have used Successware but it is pricey.
I currently use Light Blue and am pleased with the cost and the features. lightbluestudio dot com

[LanceHaynie]

I worked for a studio once upon a time that used Successware and it was pretty impressive. However, there are other options for customer relationship management software.

Cream of the crop would be SalesLogix (biased though, I was a B.A. for them). Next would be Salesforce.com. SugarCRM has a community (open source/free) edition that all you need is a place to put it. I have used it pretty extensively and really like it. Keep in mind, all of these options are not industry specific. Check out SugarCRM.

[Cajungaltx]

I downloaded Studio Cloud Janice.... it seems to run pretty smoothly...

I'll check out Light Blue as well...

Thanks Lance!

[Redneck]

I tried Studio Cloud and didn't like it.
Now I'm using my iPhone for almost everything.

[Cajungaltx]

Andre' - What apps are you using? I use my calendar app for scheduling - and email - but it's the reminders/etc that 'I' need help with... ;-)

Plus invoicing, billing, etc...

[Tom]

I have an android phone. We use a google calendar and google documents/spreadsheets for everything. But we are considering going with ShootQ.

[Redneck]

Originally Posted by Cajungaltx

Andre' - What apps are you using? I use my calendar app for scheduling - and email - but it's the reminders/etc that 'I' need help with... ;-)

Plus invoicing, billing, etc...

Donna, I use the regular Calendar and Contacts apps on the iPhone and I sync it with Google Calendar. Works like a charm and they sync automatically every minute. You can set up many reminders and have many options when working in Google Calendar or one reminder with your iPhone Cal.


For incoiving/billing etc I use the free Billing Manager (billingmanager.intuit.com). It does everything from invoicing to reminders, to automatic recurring invoices, form and PDF generator and email submission. That's all I need. And it's free.

[suerenee]

I am using ShootQ and loving it. Just started to really use it daily. It takes a while to get your stuff all in place but SO worth it. I booked a client today in just 3 clicks.

[TJAtLarissaPhoto]

After looking all the options, StudioCloud looks like it has all the features I'm wanting. None of the other studio management software products seem to have exactly what I'm wanting. If you're interested, I'll be documenting my entire experience with changing from PhotoOne over to StudioCloud on my blog - PhotoOne Bought By StudioPlus Software Larissa Photography Education For Photographers

[daveb]

I use vtiger - slightly basic but it does work for me -
No image management though but basic document management is there for contracts and stuff
Email management and templating is included and unlike many open source packages it does run on windows for those so inclined

[thatsridiculous]

I was with Studiocloud for a long time and didn't really like it. Its clumsy to use. Customers complained constantly about the online ordering - galleries would just close them out while they were ordering, pictures took too long to load. It was slow and ALWAYS needing an update. I could never just open it, I had to update it first. So I never updated it. So I sucked at customer service and following up because I never knew where I was on things. I just switched to ShootQ and I AM IN LOVE. head over heels. its everything i needed. I use photoshelter for proofing now, though its pricey, my clients are happy again (and placing orders!) so I am too.