Managing invoices, payments, etc

[vfilby]

Hello all, this is a question about the business end of photography.

Right now I am just printing invoices using word and keeping track of invoices, payments etc using excel. Seems alittle shakey but it works. Is there any advice for a better management system?

Thanks,

[GenEOS]

There are various rograms for managing a photo business. Some geared directly towards photogs. The main thing is you keep records. A good dirctory structure and procedure followed religiously can be as good as an expensive database program.

[Digital Prophet]

I agree with GenEOS in that ANY system that is adhered to is the best one. A million dollar package isn't going to do one bit of good if it isn't used. Where as a simple notebook that is kept up to date would be worlds better.

There is a program called PhotoByte. I have seen it refered to in a couple of books. It is by Tom Zimberoff who wrote the book Photography: Focus on Profit (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1581150598/qid=1098370857/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-2379291-8243054?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) (which is next on my reading list). The program is free and my understanding is that the book really highlights its use and features.

Check it out at his site (http://zimberoff.com/photobyte.htm).

- Digital Prophet -

[vfilby]

Hey DP,

I took a look at the PhotoByte website and it looks really neat! I will definitely try it out when I get home. Please let me know how you like the book.

Thanks for the tip,

Vince