Database software to enter information about customers

[bkribbs]

I need a program that I can enter information about clients in. Like their name DOB address etc. And the cheaper the better. Free would be super cool.

Also, I have a client who would like to sell stuff in their hair salon. So what software should I get for inventory and then to check people out? Like with a barcode scanner.

Thanks
Bkribbs

 

[zombine210]

i think mysql can do this.
i don't know how to use it though.

don't know about the barcodes either.

 

[strollin]

You could use a spreadsheet program such as Excel, OpenOffice.calc or Google Docs to do this. You can sort and do searches on the data as needed. Google Docs and OpenOffice are both free. OpenOffice also contains a DB component but to do what you asked, a spreadsheet would be quicker.

Here's an example of a spreadsheet I whipped up in Google Docs in about 5 minutes:

A spreadsheet would do well for several hundred clients, if you have 1,000s od clients, you'll definitely want to use a DB.

For the hair salon business, you need to look into POS (Point of Sale) software.

 

[bkribbs]

i think mysql can do this.
i don't know how to use it though.

don't know about the barcodes either.

You could use a spreadsheet program such as Excel, OpenOffice.calc or Google Docs to do this. You can sort and do searches on the data as needed. Google Docs and OpenOffice are both free. OpenOffice also contains a DB component but to do what you asked, a spreadsheet would be quicker.

For the hair salon business, you need to look into POS (Point of Sale) software.

I'll look into Point of Sale software, thanks. And actually, for the database I want something a little nicer looking. I would originally put it together, but she would end up adding people to it, and she would want something a little more graphically pleasing.

 

[strollin]

Look into OpenOffice.Base. It allows you to create input forms and output Reports. More work than a spreadsheet but it would be "more graphically pleasing".

 

[bkribbs]

Open office is the same thing basically.

 

[strollin]

Open office is the same thing basically.

Same thing as what? OpenOffice has multiple components, while OO.Calc is very similar to Excel, OO.Base is very similar to Access.

 

[bkribbs]

as microsoft office. so id use excel if I just wanted a spreadsheet.

 

[Okedokey]

MS CRM is the way to go.

Else Access.

 

[strollin]

as microsoft office. so id use excel if I just wanted a spreadsheet.

I got that you don't want to use a spreadsheet, that's why I suggested OO.Base which will do what you want, is free and is not a spreadsheet. It's also about as easy to use as you're gonna find.

In the post above Bigfella suggested MS CRM or Access, neither of which are free. OO.Base is a free, open source app that's extremely similar to Access.