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9 Replies Last post: Jan 8, 2008 2:37 AM by intechspecial

Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale?

Dec 29, 2007 10:39 AM

ProDefense 8 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

I run a Martial Arts Self Defense school. Some students pay for classes by the week, month, and some pay for one class at a time. I keep a running account in a ledger on each student. When students come to class they walk up to the front desk to check in. They either pay for the class at that time or I deduct from what they have already paid in advance. This takes some time and as students show up for class the line grows longer. We have to wait for everyone to be checked in before we can begin class. I need a software program that can quickly check in students, take payment in advance, deduct payment from account, or point of sale. It also needs to be able to track information such as perfect attendance and birthdays. I have tried programs like Quickbooks and I had to go through so many steps on the computer for each student that it was actually faster to do it by hand in a ledger.

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DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

1. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 2:28 PM

You can set up a spreadsheet in excel that will do this for you. Columns can be made for each entry and then you can deduct at each class session. If you have trouble with formulas there are chat rooms on the internet that can help. The master formula in the top data line can then be copied to each data line.

This will be the easiest for you otherwise you could be looking at some high costs for a custom program. If you don't have Excel go to Best Buy and pick the Office 2007 Student Teacher Edition for about 160.00, It has Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

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Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

2. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 2:33 PM

Do you prefer a program that you install and that resides and runs on a single hard drive, or one that is web-based?

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DomainDiva 1,732 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

3. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 2:52 PM

in response to: Lighthouse24

Hi LTH 24, I am thinking he just needs something local. Do you have something that would help? Cost may be a consideration as well.

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Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

4. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 2:59 PM

in response to: DomainDiva

There are a lot of downloadable or out-of-the-box solutions designed specifically for that application. Here are four to check out:

Martial Arts Software's DojoManager

Jackrabbit Technologies' Jackrabbit Dojo

Get Physical Software's KickSoft Martial Arts Management Software

ASF International DojoPro3000

There are others, but downloading free trials from one or more of these to see what you like and don't like about them would probably narrow the list.

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ProDefense 8 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

5. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 9:18 PM

in response to: Lighthouse24

Yes, I would prefer a program that I would install and resides on a single hard drive. Thank you for your reply.

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ProDefense 8 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

6. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 9:19 PM

in response to: DomainDiva

You are correct. I need something local and cost is definitely a consideration.

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ProDefense 8 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

7. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 9:25 PM

in response to: Lighthouse24

I have already checked into DojoManager and Kicksoft. Neither will check in a student if they pay for classes each time they come in. Both are set up assuming all students pay at least a month or more in advance. That is how most Martial Arts schools charge their students. However, in this area, some of my students are doing well to scrounge up $5.00 a week, let alone pay for a whole month at once.

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ProDefense 8 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

8. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Dec 29, 2007 9:31 PM

in response to: DomainDiva

Thank you DomainDiva for your suggestion. Can it also be set up to keep track of perfect attendance and birthdays? I guess I will have to learn spreadsheets and Excel. I tried it a long time ago and found it to be a real pain to set up. I never did get it to work right, trying to learn as I go.

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intechspecial 1,457 posts since
Jan 6, 2008

9. Re: Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale? Jan 8, 2008 2:37 AM

There is a simple resolution to this, and although somewhat costly, it would be much better than just a "software suite".

You mentioned POS(point of sale), this is the type of system that you need.

Student signs up: You get credit/debit card information, and other relevant info.
Type info into database. Credit card is decucted automatically every month. You recieve alert if it is not.

You recieve custom alerts for anything that you would like. You could also utilize a digitial key, where student comes and goes he holds key over magnetic lock or check in point(as they walk into studio). Database is tied directly to POS/digital key as well.

This can be fully integrated with cameras/security as well, you can recieve alerts on your mobile phone, email, etc. You can view security cameras from home as well, and record all video digitally.

Fully customizable to suit the companies needs. The possibilities are as wide as your imagination.

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This Question is Possibly Answered

Best/Easiest software for customer (student) check-in and point-of-sale?

Dec 29, 2007 10:39 AM

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