The only thing clear to me at this point was that I needed to be able to control my pricing. Rattling around in the back of my mind was the idea that I would someday in the future need to convert the store to a barcode based system, and this was the event that brought that task front and center. I started researching solutions and was disgusted by the price of a POS (point of sale) system. We already had a Clover mini for running credit cards that we inherited from the previous business owner, so I investigated what capabilities came with that system. Much to my surprise, this little device could act similar to a full blown POS, so I decided to use what I had and build the other pieces around it. This was the beginning of the end for that archaic cash register.
My solution would only require a barcode scanner for the Clover mini and a cash drawer. This was due to the fact that the Clover printed receipts and could control a cash drawer with what amounts to a simple telephone cord. This left me with one task, build an inventory file to upload to the Clover system.
I figured I could get most of the inventory item information from the order files that my distributor provided for download, so I started writing a program that would parse those order files and put the information into the Clover inventory format. Once the initial file was ready and uploaded to clover, there were several other hurdles to overcome for continuous use. The issue that started all this was always present in my mind, when inventory comes into the store, I need to make sure that the price is what I expect.
This was the beginning of what I now call the Inventory app. I have since left the Clover behind and moved to Square due to issues with adding new hardware when I wanted. I have also added significant pieces to the Inventory app that include creating orders to upload to my distributor, processing incoming orders for updates, mechanisms for cleaning up your inventory file, and a piece I call price reporting. With price reporting, the app will scan a distributor’s website for items in your inventory and give you a report that shows if your retail price is high or low and if you have a negative margin on any inventory item, amongst other things.
For some mysterious reason, in early 2024, I was inspired to add even more functionality to the Inventory app. This forced me to include many manual steps I performed on a regular basis into the software as well as adding help/process docs for someone else to use the software. I was also inspired to think of the entire process I had gone through in this store and how it could be used in another store after discussing the whole project with a new sales rep. That’s how barcode conversion and inventory management became a product. Real world problems that I just happened to have the skills to provide a solution to.
As for website work, that also came back around again with one of my previous friends needing help once again. I also happen to know of several business owners in our small town that have little to no business information accessible on the internet. The only way you can find them is via word of mouth. Maybe they like it that way, but I would love to have the opportunity to help them increase their business income.
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