Hi,

I've been stringing for about seven years and developed a few things to help make my stringing easier in both Access and Excel. Business has picked up since then and I find doing the same repetitive thing each time annoying and a waste of time.

I have my own laundry list of things I want to include, but wanted to get some ideas and feedback from people.

I plan on doing it first as an Access database and then porting it to the web and other devices. I also want something small and entry level that can help other people like me and then scale up.

Thanks,
--Joe.

Things I'd like to have are: (some are pretty obvious)

customer name
racquet name
string type and gauge
tension
grip replacement
bumper replacement
date of service
cost of string
cost of bumper
cost of grip
cost of labor
Total revenue on job
notes

Sounds good to me. I'll make the app itemize everything in case there's an unexpected charge like eyelets or building up a grip, etc.

Anyway giving myself a month to deliver on this on a part/part time basis.

Thanks for your feedback,
--Joe

IN my customer data base I get the name of the player, his / her string usage over time with Tension changes.
Most definitely get the DATE of each restring
I make a note on where the string breaks for each client and note that on the tag for the customer to see when they pick it up.
I track the changes in string types, Tensions , String patterns and how the grip is worn from one to the other restringing.
I tape the bumper guard if it starts to get busted up and make a note to contact me a week or two before the next restringing to get a bumper guard ordered for that model of racquet.
It seems like a lot to do but it generates a lot of concern that the client doesn't have to remember, and that is appreciated.
My tags come with check boxes so I can note what is happening to the clients frame from one to the next restringing too.
For frequent string breakers I make suggestions for a more string breaking resistant string which will save the client in the long run, but cost a bit more to restring. The longer lasting string always is more cost effective.
Good luck with your apps I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Thanks TomKat. I'm at about 22 tables so far. Pretty much having notes for customers, racquets, jobs, inventory, even users. I also like to document everything, but never really got into the habit of marking where strings break--that's a cool idea to see where chronic problems show up.

I'll keep you guys posted on my progress and thanks for the input and support.

--Joe.

if working with smartphones, would be nice to be able to take photos of racquet as-received. This is good for noting things like cracked grommets.

I like to trakc info on the last string's failure (where broke, condition of grommets, wear pattern, notching, etc).

Nice if able to track multiple racquets from same user.

User feedback would be the other big thing.

I use my iPhone all the time when stringing. I like listening to music and use the timer to track my work. I like the idea of taking pictures but that sounds like gravy compared to getting everything else working.

I'm basically done with my tables and had a small set back with Access, so going to go completely web based. I need to change the database to handle multiple companies. iPhone app...still learning the objective-c basics. There's a lot of options and I probably need to go the easiest route for the biggest group. So far that's web based.

Can track multiple racquets and have tables for notes on racquets, customers, etc.

I also like the idea of customer feedback. Especially testimonials we can use for our businesses.

Thanks,
--Joe.

mdhills

if working with smartphones, would be nice to be able to take photos of racquet as-received. This is good for noting things like cracked grommets.

I like to trakc info on the last string's failure (where broke, condition of grommets, wear pattern, notching, etc).

Nice if able to track multiple racquets from same user.

User feedback would be the other big thing.