Follow up to 10/10/09 Blog "How Computerized Will Your Salon Be"

Follow-up to 10/10/09 Blog "How Computerized Will Your Salon Be".

Answers and Statements by a Small Business Computer Expert:
Kevin Marraccini
marraccini.com, llc
1316 Woodland Drive
Monroeville PA 15146
412-956-3573
kevin@marraccini.com
www.marraccini.com

Point of Sale program for services and retail:
I think Point of Sale is a must. Quick Books and Microsoft both have products geared toward the small business. They include easy to follow screens and link with credit card processing companies. They will also link with tax software.
Is there hardware available?
Computer manufactures are incorporating POS as a complete solution offering. These offerings will include a computer, monitor, cash drawer, barcode scanner and printer.

Are appointment scheduling programs available?
Most POS programs have a Appointment Program available as part of the package. They are print reminder postcards, phone and email lists. A client record card can also be included.

Can the POS program attach to an accounting program?
Most POS systems can do basic bill paying and invoicing. Most will link to more advanced account software packages such as:
P/L Statement
Balance Sheet
Inventory--Retail and /Service Products
Payroll (Outsourcing payroll is also an option. They will also prepare taxes.)

There are a number of Computer packages just for Beauty Salons. Do you recommend them or prefer basic programs such as Quick Books?
I checked out a few of them and they do seem pretty powerful. Might even do what Quick Books does. They need to work with the accounting program the salon is using. Linking to tax software is important.

What hardware do you suggest?
Dell or HP is what I typically recommend for computers. There are many cash draw and scanners vendors.

The following should also be considered:
*The owner or manager may also want a computer in their office.
*They will need a router to connect to the internet and link multiple computers.
*They may want to restrict access to certain programs such as payroll, P/L, etc.
*They may also want to "lock down" the register so employees are not surfing the internet for non work related things.
*I think internet at broadband speed is important--Cable, DSL. FIOS.
*Running antivirus or spyware detection programs is important.
*Having a backup program to protect the data is very important. I recommend Mozy.com.
*Passwords are important.

Email and Website:
Email and Website are great. Scheduling appointments by email would be a quick way for communication. Salon owner may want to have a smartphone or blackberry.